Systems and apparatus for producing electrolyzed alkaline and oxidizing water

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to systems and methods for cleaning materials, such as flooring and upholstery. In some cases, the systems and methods use an electrolytic cell to electrolyze a solution comprising sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium acetate, sodium percarbonate, potassium carbonate, potassium bicarbonate, and/or any other suitable chemical to generate electrolyzed alkaline water and/or electrolyzed oxidizing water. In some cases, the cell comprises a recirculation loop that recirculates anolyte through an anode compartment of the cell. In some cases, the cell further comprises a senor and a processor, where the processor is configured to automatically change an operation of the cell, based on a reading from the sensor. In some cases, a fluid flows past a magnet before entering the cell. 
     In some additional cases, fluid from the cell is conditioned by being split into multiple conduits that run in proximity to each other. Additional implementations are described.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.16/286,367 (Attorney Docket No. 11623.74), which was filed on Feb. 26,2019, and is entitled SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PRODUCING ELECTROLYZEDALKALINE AND OXIDIZING WATER, and claims priority to U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 62/635,380 (Attorney Docket No. 11623.67), which wasfiled on Feb. 26, 2018, and which is entitled SYSTEMS AND METHODS FORPRODUCING ELECTROLYZED ALKALINE WATER AND/OR ELECTROLYZED OXIDIZINGWATER; the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to systems and methods for cleaningmaterials and surfaces, such as flooring, furniture, drapery,upholstery, and any other suitable materials and surfaces. Inparticular, some implementations of the present invention relate tosystems and methods for using an electrolytic cell to generateelectrolyzed alkaline water and/or electrolyzed oxidizing water byelectrolyzing a solution comprising sodium carbonate, soda ash, sodiumbicarbonate, washing soda, soda crystals, crystal carbonate, sodiumacetate, sodium percarbonate, potassium carbonate, potassiumbicarbonate, sodium chloride, potassium chloride, and/or any othersuitable salt and/or other electrolyte (e.g., any suitable electrolytecomprising one or more alkali ions). In some cases, the cell comprises arecirculation loop that recirculates anolyte through an anodecompartment of the cell. In some cases, the cell further comprises asenor and/or a processor, where the processor is configured toautomatically change an operation of the cell, based on a reading fromthe sensor. In some cases, a fluid flows past a magnet before enteringthe cell. In some additional cases, fluid from the cell is conditionedby being split into multiple conduits that run in proximity to eachother. While the electrolyzed alkaline and/or electrolyzed oxidizingwater can be used for any suitable purpose, in some implementations,they are used to clean and/or disinfect carpets, rugs, tile, stone,linoleum, flooring surfaces, furniture, walls, drywall, plaster,countertops, blinds, appliances, woods, metals, vehicles, upholstery,drapes, fabrics, clothing, cloth, bedding, beds, laminates, surfaceswhich are touched by humans (e.g., door knobs, handrails, chairs,tables, light switches, remote controls, windows, etc.), wounds, and/orany other suitable surface, object, or material.

2. Background and Related Art

In accordance with many conventional carpet cleaning techniques, one ormore soaps and/or detergents are applied to a carpet, either alone orwith water and/or steam. In some cases, the soaps and/or detergents arethen agitated into the carpet to allow them to act as emulsifiers; toform micelles around oils, grease, dirt, and other debris; and/or tootherwise capture and/or loosen up debris in the carpets. In some cases,the carpet is then rinsed and/or vacuumed to remove the soaps,detergents, water, and/or debris from the carpets.

While such carpet cleaning techniques can be quite effective at cleaningcarpets, such techniques are not necessarily without their shortcomings.Indeed, in some such techniques, it can often be very difficult toremove all of the soaps and/or detergents from the carpet. In some suchcases, as soap and/or detergents are left in the carpet, such cleaningagents continue to capture dirt, oil, and/or other debris. As result,carpets that still contain soap and/or detergent residue after beingcleaned can actually become and look dirtier faster than similar carpetsthat are free from soap and/or detergent residue. As an additionalshortcoming, some conventional carpet cleaning techniques employ soapsand/or detergents that are, in and of themselves, somewhat ineffectiveat removing stains and other debris from carpets. As a result, mucheffort can be spent in attempting to clean a carpet with such soapsand/or detergents, without the carpet ever truly becoming clean.

Thus, while techniques currently exist that are used to clean carpetsand other materials, challenges still exist, including those listedabove. Accordingly, it would be an improvement in the art to augment oreven replace current techniques with other techniques.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to systems and methods for cleaningmaterials and surfaces, such as flooring, furniture, drapery,upholstery, and any other suitable materials and surfaces. Inparticular, some implementations of the present invention relate tosystems and methods for using an electrolytic cell to generateelectrolyzed alkaline water and/or electrolyzed oxidizing water byelectrolyzing a solution comprising sodium carbonate, soda ash, sodiumbicarbonate, washing soda, soda crystals, crystal carbonate, sodiumacetate, sodium percarbonate, potassium carbonate, potassiumbicarbonate, sodium chloride, potassium chloride, and/or any othersuitable salt and/or other electrolyte (e.g., any suitable electrolytecomprising one or more alkali ions). In some cases, the cell comprises arecirculation loop that recirculates anolyte through an anodecompartment of the cell. In some cases, the cell further comprises asenor and/or a processor, where the processor is configured toautomatically change an operation of the cell, based on a reading fromthe sensor. In some cases, a fluid flows past a magnet before enteringthe cell. In some additional cases, fluid from the cell is conditionedby being split into multiple conduits that run in proximity to eachother. While the electrolyzed alkaline and/or electrolyzed oxidizingwater can be used for any suitable purpose, in some implementations,they are used to clean and/or disinfect carpets, rugs, tile, stone,linoleum, flooring surfaces, furniture, walls, drywall, plaster,countertops, blinds, appliances, woods, metals, vehicles, upholstery,drapes, fabrics, clothing, cloth, bedding, beds, laminates, surfaceswhich are touched by humans (e.g., door knobs, handrails, chairs,tables, light switches, remote controls, windows, etc.), wounds, and/orany other suitable surface, object, or material

While the described systems can comprise any suitable component, in someimplementations, the described system includes a water source, anelectrolyte, an electrolytic cell, one or more pieces of cleaningequipment (e.g., one or more sprayers, heaters, wands, carpet agitators,suction devices, pieces of tubing, pieces of hosing, reservoirs, counterrotating brush devices, water softeners, and/or any other suitable pieceof cleaning equipment), water conditioners, magnets, modifiedelectrolyzed waters, wipes and/or other cleaning implements comprisingan electrolyzed water, and/or any other suitable element or feature.

With respect to the water source, the water source can comprise anysuitable water source, including, without limitation, potable water,non-potable water, reverse osmosis water, deionized water, distilledwater, water from a tank, water from a tap, softened water (i.e., waterthat has been treated with a salt-based ion exchange water softener, asalt-free water softener, a dual-tank water softener, a magnetic watersoftener or descaler, and/or any other water softener), and/or any othersuitable type of water from any other suitable water source.

With regards to the electrolyte source, the electrolyte can comprise anysuitable electrolyte, including, without limitation, sodium carbonate(Na₂CO₃), soda ash, sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃), potash, potassiumcarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, sodium chloride, potassium chloride,sodium phosphate, and/or any other suitable electrolyte (e.g., anysuitable electrolyte comprising sodium, potassium, and/or lithium). Insome implementations, however, the electrolyte comprises sodiumcarbonate and/or sodium bicarbonate.

In some cases, prior to (and/or during) electrolysis, the electrolyte isadded to water at any suitable concentration that allows the resultantelectrolyte solution to be electrolyzed to form electrolyzed oxidizingwater (acidic) and/or electrolyzed alkaline water (basic). In someimplementations, the electrolyte (e.g., sodium carbonate and/or anyother suitable electrolyte) is added to water at a concentration ofbetween about 0.1% and about 60% by weight (or within any subrangethereof). Indeed, in some implementations, the electrolyte (e.g., sodiumcarbonate) is added to water at a concentration of between about 10% andabout 30% by weight (e.g., at a concentration of about 20%±5%).

With regards to the electrolytic cell, the electrolyte (and itsresultant electrolyte solution or solutions) can be electrolyzed in anysuitable manner, including, without limitation, by being added to and/orbeing electrolyzed in an anode compartment and/or a cathode compartmentof an electrolytic cell. Indeed, in some implementations, an electrolytesolution is added to both the anode compartment and the cathodecompartment. In some other implementations, however, the electrolytesolution is added to the anode compartment, while water (and/or anyother suitable material) is added to the cathode compartment, with thetwo compartments being separated by an ion permeable membrane (e.g., analkali ion permeable membrane). In some such implementations, as theelectrolytic cell is operated, sodium ions (and/or any other suitablealkali cations) from the electrolyzed electrolyte in the anodecompartment (or the anolyte) are transferred through the membrane tocombine with hydroxide ions in the solution in the cathode compartment(or the catholyte) to form sodium hydroxide (NaOH) (or electrolyzedalkaline water), which can then be used as a cleaning agent. Indeed, insome such implementations, the electrolyte in the anode compartment (orthe anolyte) is selectively recycled through the anode compartment,released for use as a sanitizing agent, and/or otherwise used ordiscarded. In some cases, however, the anolyte is recycled through theanode compartment such that the described system can selectively producea relatively large amount of cleaning solution (e.g., electrolyzedalkaline water) from the cathode compartment, while producing relativelylittle solution from the anode compartment (e.g., electrolyzed oxidizingwater). Thus, in some cases, the described system can significantlyreduce water consumption, without necessarily reducing the amount ofelectrolyzed alkaline water that it produces.

In some implementations, the described electrolytic cell comprises oneor more sensors, control units, and/or processors that are used togather information regarding cell operation and to vary the cell'soperation based on the gathered data. In this regard, the cell cancomprise (and/or otherwise be associated with) any suitable type ofsensor, including, without limitation, one or more pH sensors, pressuresensors, flowrate sensors, conductivity sensors, current sensors,amperage sensors, voltage sensors, thermometers, oxidation-reductionpotential (“ORP”) sensors, water quality sensors, magnesium and/orcalcium sensors, electrolyte concentration sensors, and/or any othersuitable sensor or sensors that can be used to gather information on thecell and/or its operation.

Indeed, in some implementations, the cell comprises one or moreconductivity sensors amperage sensors, concentration sensors, and/orflowrate sensors. In some such implementations, when the cell determinesthat conductivity of the electrolyte solution in the cell (e.g., in theanode compartment, the cathode compartment, an anolyte recirculationline, a storage tank, a fluid outlet, and/or any other suitable portionof the system) is below a desired threshold (e.g., because the solutiondoes not have enough electrolyte, the amperage is too low, and/or forany other suitable reason), the cell (e.g., via one or more variableamperage power supplies, variable speed pumps, valves, dosingmechanisms, and/or any other suitable component) is configured to:increase the operating amperage of the electrodes (e.g., via thevariable amperage power supply, to increase ion formation); slow theflowrate of electrolyte solution through the cell (e.g., through theanode compartment and/or any other suitable portion of the cell, so asto give the electrolyte more time to react and/or ionize); stabilizefluid pressures between the two flow channels (e.g., compartments)in thecell to allow the electrolyte to ionize and/or otherwise react moreefficiently and maintain separation of the polarity of the ionicsolutions; have more electrolyte introduced (e.g., into the anodecompartment and/or the cathode compartment, as applicable) through theuse of one or more pumps, variable pumps, valves, variable valves,droppers, dosing mechanisms, and/or any other suitable mechanism; and/orto otherwise vary operation of the cell to compensate for (and/or tootherwise attempt to correct) the low conductivity measurement.

In some cases, when one or more sensors determine that: the conductivitylevel of the electrolyte solution going through the cell (e.g., in theanode compartment, the cathode compartment, an anolyte recirculationline, a storage tank, a fluid outlet, and/or any other suitable portionof the system) is above a desired level; amperage is in the cell is toohigh; a flowrate is too low; an electrolyte concentration in the cell istoo high; and/or that another parameter of the cell's operation isoutside of a set ranges, some implementations of the cell are configuredto: decrease the operating amperage of the electrodes (e.g., via avariable amperage power supply and/or in any other suitable manner todecrease ion formation); increase the flowrate of electrolyte solutionthrough the cell (e.g., through the anode compartment and/or any othersuitable portion of the cell, so as to give the electrolyte the optimaltime and opportunity to ionize and/or otherwise react); increaseflowrate through either side of the cell to maintain equal internal cellfluid pressure in the cell to reduce cross mixing between the catholyteand anolyte (and/or to perform any other suitable purpose); stop or haveless electrolyte introduced (e.g., into the anode compartment and/or thecathode compartment) through the use of one or more pumps, variablepumps, valves, variable valves, droppers, dosing mechanisms, and/or anyother suitable mechanism; and/or to otherwise vary operation of the cellto compensate for (and/or to otherwise attempt to correct) the highand/or other undesirable conductivity measurement.

In still other implementations, the cell is configured to (in near realtime or otherwise): monitor amperage with the anode compartment and/orthe cathode compartment and to automatically raise, lower, and/or tootherwise vary such amperage; monitor pressure within the anodecompartment and/or the cathode compartment and to raise, lower, and/orto otherwise vary such pressure (e.g., by modifying variable pump speed,by varying a valve opening, by controlling a dropper and/or otherelectrolyte delivery device, and/or in any other suitable manner) tokeep pressure within the cell at desired levels; monitor pH within thecell and to vary electrolyte levels, amperage, flowrates, introductionof a base and/or acid, and/or to otherwise modify cell operation tomaintain a desired pH level in one or more portions of the cell; monitorflowrate and to increase, decrease, and/or otherwise vary flowrate tokeep flowrate in the cell within a desired range; monitor temperatureand to heat, cool, introduce cool fluid into, introduce hot fluid into,and/or to otherwise control temperature within the cell; monitor ORP ofone or more solutions produced within the cell (e.g., the electrolyzedalkaline and/or electrolyzed oxidizing water) and to change celloperating amperage, increase and/or decrease an amount of electrolytethat is added to the cell, vary a flowrate of the electrolyte solutionthrough the cell, and/or to otherwise vary cell operation; monitorelectrolyte concentration in the anode compartment, the cathodecompartment, and/or any other suitable portion of the system and to varysuch concentration (e.g., via introduction of additional electrolytethrough a dosing mechanism, a feeder, a valve, and/or in any othersuitable manner; introduction of water and/or any other suitable diluentthrough a dosing mechanism, a feeder, a valve, and/or any in othersuitable manner); and/or to otherwise monitor one or morecharacteristics of the cell and/or its contents and to vary celloperation and/or such contents based on the monitored readings.

Thus, in some implementations, the described electrolytic cell isconfigured to provide high-quality cleaning reagents under a widevariety of circumstances. For instance, some implementations of the cellare configured to automatically (and/or otherwise) modify cell operatingconditions to account for: influent water with different characteristics(e.g., mineral content, temperature, pH, conductivity, and/or any othersuitable characteristics); differing humidity levels, air pressures,temperatures, vibration levels, and/or other characteristics in placesof the cell's operation; and/or any other suitable characteristic thatcan affect the cell's function and the quality of the product orproducts it produces.

Although in some cases, the cell is configured to provide informationabout its operating conditions to one or more users (e.g., via adisplay; lights; audible sounds; visual communications; wirelesscommunications to a phone, tablet, computer, and/or any other suitabledevice; and/or in any other suitable manner), in some other cases, thesystem is configured to automatically and/or dynamically makeadjustments to its operation parameters to produce desired products withdesired characteristics. In some cases, the system is also configured toreceive input regarding a desired product and to then automatically varyits operating parameters to produce the desired product. For instance,when a user indicates that a user would like an electrolyzed alkalinewater and/or an electrolyzed oxidizing water to have a desired pH (or apH in a desired range), the cell is configured to automatically modifyits operating parameters (e.g., amperage, electrolyte dosing,electrolyte solution flowrate, and/or any other suitable parameter) toproduce the desired product.

Some implementations of the described electrolytic cells are configuredto automatically adjust their operating parameters to produce one ormore products (e.g., electrolyzed alkaline water, electrolyzed oxidizingwater, bleach, and/or any other suitable product) to have a wide rangeof characteristics. Indeed, in some cases, the described cells areconfigured to be able to automatically and selectively use one stream offeed water to produce electrolyzed alkaline waters (and/or electrolyzedoxidizing waters) having pHs that vary by more than about 0.25, 1, 2, 3,4, 5, 6, or more pH units. In some cases, the described cells areconfigured to be able to automatically and selectively use one stream offeed water to produce electrolyzed alkaline waters (and/or electrolyzedoxidizing waters) having pHs that vary by more than 3 pH units (e.g., bymore than 3.5 pH units).

The electrolytic cell can be any suitable size and can be configured tobe used in any suitable location. Indeed, in some embodiments, the cellis configured to: fit within a vehicle (e.g., a van, truck, car, bus,tractor, forklift, trailer, and/or any other suitable vehicle), beplaced on a skid, be worn as a backpack, roll around on a cart or withwheels, be located in one location and be used to fill containers withcleaning agents that are taken to various locations for use, and/or tobe used in any other suitable manner.

Although in some implementations, the cathode compartment and the anodecompartment are separated by one or more membranes, in some otherimplementations, the cell lacks a membrane between the two compartments.While such a cell can function in any suitable manner, in some cases,the cell is configured to move anolyte and catholyte past thecorresponding electrodes at a relatively high rate of speed (e.g., at arate that is variable based on: a strength of the solution or solutionsbeing produced by the cell, the amperage of the cell, and/or any othersuitable feature). Additionally, in some such embodiments, the cellcomprises one or more spacer frames that are at least partially disposedbetween the anode and cathode compartments. In some such embodiments,the spacer frames comprise one or more channels and/or other topographicfeatures that are configured to help mix and direct electrolytes pastthe corresponding electrodes.

Indeed, in accordance with some implementations, the electrolytic cellcomprises an anode compartment comprising an anode; a cathodecompartment comprising a cathode; a first spacer that is disposedbetween the anode compartment and the cathode compartment; a fluid inletthat is configured to channel an electrolyte solution to both the anodecompartment and the cathode compartment; and a fluid outlet that isconfigured to combine and channel product from both the anodecompartment and the cathode compartment. In some such implementations,the cell lacks an ion selective membrane that is disposed between theanode and cathode compartments. In some such cases, however, the anodeand cathode compartments are at least partially separated by the spacer.Additionally, in some cases, the cell comprises a single fluid inlet, atone end of the cell, and a single fluid outlet, at an opposite side ofthe cell. Thus, in some embodiments, fluid (e.g., an electrolytesolution) flows through the inlet, into the cell, and into the twocompartments, with the spacer serving (in some cases) to direct thefluid into the two compartments and/or across the correspondingelectrode.

In some implementations, the cell is configured in such a manner thatgas bubbles are configured to be removed from the anode and/or cathodeto increase the effectiveness of such electrodes. In this regard, suchgas bubbles can be removed in any suitable manner. Indeed, in somecases, the cell comprises one or more spacer frames that contact and/orthat are otherwise in close proximity to a corresponding electrode, withthe spacer frames each comprising a topography (e.g., raised features,lowered features, holes, channels, pores, and/or other topographicalfeatures) that is configured to churn and otherwise mix such fluids andto direct such fluids across the electrodes to help force gas bubblesoff the electrodes and/or to constantly expose new portions of suchfluids to the electrodes.

In some additional cases, the electrodes are directly in the flow pathof the electrolyte solution into the anolyte and/or catholytecompartments. For instance, in some cases, one or more fluid inlets tothe cell are disposed at a bottom end of the cell and one or more fluidoutlets from the cell are disposed at a top of the cell. In some suchcases, as fluids flow from the bottom end to the top end of the cell,the fluids help push gas bubbles off of the electrodes. In some cases,to further help off gassing from the electrodes and/or to ensure thatmost (if not all of the fluid is exposed to a surface of one of theelectrodes, one or more electrodes is disposed directly in the flow pathof one or more fluid inlets and/or outlets to the cell. As gas bubbleson the electrodes can (in some cases) make the electrodes less effectiveat forming ions, some embodiments of the described cell are configuredto increase electrode productivity by aiding in cell off gassing.

In accordance with some implementations, the cell is further used withone or more sensors that are configured to determine a quality of water(and/or electrolyte solution) that is being added to the cell. In thisregard, such sensors can identify magnesium, calcium, and/or othermineral levels; debris; bacteria; pathogens; and/or other undesirablematerials in the water. In some such cases, the system is furtherconfigured such that when the sensors determine that influent's qualityfalls outside of one or more set parameters, the system is configured tostop the flow of water and/or the electrolyte solution into the cell(e.g., by closing a valve, diverting the fluids from flowing into thecell, and/or in any other suitable manner) and/or to stop the cell fromfunctioning (e.g., by stopping or reducing the charge that is passedbetween the electrodes and/or in any other suitable manner). Thus, insome implementations, the described systems and methods are configuredto prevent low quality water and/or electrolyte solution from causingundue damage to the electrodes (e.g., via scaling, pitting, etc.).

In some implementations, the described systems and methods comprise awand (which can be used with the described systems and methods and/orwith any other suitable systems and methods). In this regard, thedescribed wand can comprise any suitable component or characteristicthat allows it to be used to clean flooring (and/or any other suitablesurface). Indeed, in some implementations, the wand includes a wand headand a vacuum tube.

With respect to the wand head, the wand head can comprise any suitablecomponent that allows it to apply a fluid (e.g., electrolyzed waterand/or any other suitable fluid) to a flooring surface and that allowsthe fluid to be sucked from the surface. Indeed, in someimplementations, the wand head comprises a shroud that houses at least aportion of one or more jets, jet streams, and/or vacuum ports. While thejets and vacuum ports can be disposed in any suitable location, in atleast some cases, the jets are disposed behind the vacuum port (e.g.,closer to a user), such that the wand is configured to spray fluids andto suck up such fluids as the wand is pulled towards the user.

Additionally, in some cases, one or more of the vacuum ports include abreaker bar that is recessed within the shroud such that a portion ofthe shroud extends down past the breaker bar. Thus, in at least someimplementations, the shroud is configured to form at least a partialseal with the flooring surface on which the shroud rests, and the shroudallows water and/or a cleaning agent that is sprayed from the jets tocontact the flooring and to flow past the breaker bar and into thevacuum port.

In some implementations, the breaker bar's position is optionallyadjustable within the shroud such that the breaker bar can be adjustedfor flooring of a variety of textures and/or for any other suitablepurpose. In such implementations, the breaker bar can be adjusted in anysuitable manner, including, without limitation, via one or more threadedfasteners that are configured to be selectively tightened and loosenedto respectively lock and release the breaker bar to and from a desiredlocation.

In some implementations, the wand head comprises one or more air inletsthat are configured to allow air to enter into the shroud when theshroud is forming a seal (or at least a partial seal) with a flooringsurface (and/or any other suitable surface). While such inlets canperform any suitable function, in some embodiments, the inlets aresized, shaped, and placed to allow air to flow into the inlets toimprove a spray pattern of the jets. Additionally, in some cases, theair inlets allow air to flow through the air inlets, across a surfacebeing cleaned, then up into the vacuum tube while the shroud head isforming a seal with a surface that is being cleaned. As a result, insome such embodiments, the inlets allow the wand to provide high levelof suction when the bottom surface of the shroud is in contact with asurface that is being cleaned.

In some implementations, the wand head is optionally coupled to one ormore rollers that are configured to facilitate movement of the wand headacross flooring and/or any other suitable surface. In suchimplementations, the roller is optionally adjustable such that theroller can be raised or lowered on the wand head to allow the wand to beadjusted for users of various heights while still allowing the shroudand/or wand head to make a partial (and/or complete) seal with theflooring (or other surface) that is being cleaned. As an additionalfeature, in some implementations, the roller (and/or a plurality ofrollers coupled side to side) extends across a substantial width of thewand head. While such a roller (or rollers) can perform any suitablefunction, in some cases, they act to lay down a portion of carpet and/orother material that is being cleaned such that a larger portion of thestrands of carpet (or other material) can be exposed to the spray and/orvacuum forces provided through the wand head.

With respect to the vacuum tube, the vacuum tube can comprise anysuitable component or characteristic that allows a user to use thevacuum tube to direct the wand head and to allow liquids and/or debrissucked from the surface being cleaned to pass through the tube to acontainer, drain, and/or any other suitable depository.

In some implementations, the vacuum tube is shaped such that a user caneasily slide the wand head across flooring (e.g., back and forth, sideto side, and/or in any other suitable manner). In some implementations,however, the vacuum tube includes a first section that couples to thewand head, a second section that is configured to couple with a vacuum(e.g., via a hose or otherwise), and/or a third, elongated section thatis disposed between the first section and the second section. Although,in some cases, the various sections are discrete sections that arejoined together (e.g., via frictional engagement, mechanical engagement,threaded engagement, and/or in any other suitable manner), in othercases, the various sections are integrally formed together as amonolithic piece. In any case, while the various sections of the vacuumtube can have any suitable relation with respect to each other, in someimplementations, a longitudinal axis of the first section runs at anangle between about 35 degrees and about 70 degrees (or within anysubrange thereof, such as between about 40 degrees and about 44 degrees)with respect to a longitudinal axis of the third, elongated section, andthe longitudinal axis of the third, elongated section runs at an anglebetween about 35 degrees and about 60 degrees (or within any subrangethereof, such as between about 41 degrees and about 45 degrees) withrespect to a longitudinal axis of the second section.

The vacuum tube can also have any suitable inner diameter. Indeed, insome cases, the vacuum tube has an inner diameter that is between about2 cm and about 8 cm (or any subrange thereof). For instance, someimplementations of the tube have an inner diameter between about 4 cmand about 5 cm (e.g., about 4.445 cm) . Accordingly, in someembodiments, the vacuum tube is easy to hold (e.g., fitting well withina user's hand) while being able to move relatively large amounts of air,fluids, and other materials through it.

In some cases, the wand head (or shroud) is swept forward with respectto the vacuum tube, such that a face and/or a longitudinal axis of thewand head runs at an angle that is not perpendicular with respect to alongitudinal axis of the first section. Indeed, in some cases, the frontface and/or longitudinal axis of the shroud runs at an angle that isbetween about 89 degrees and about 60 degrees (or within any subrangethereof) with respect to the longitudinal axis of the first section. Insome implementations, in addition to and/or in place of the rollers, thewand head (e.g., the shroud) includes one or more skis, glides, or otherlips that are configured to make it easier for a user to move the wandhead across a flooring surface. While such a lip can be disposed in anysuitable location (including, without limitation, at a lower front,rear, side, and/or any other suitable portion of the shroud), in someimplementations, the lip is disposed at (and extends from) a lower backside of the shroud (e.g., a side of the shroud facing a user operatingthe wand) so as to allow a front side (and/or right or left sides) ofthe shroud to be pushed close to objects (e.g., a wall, furniture,and/or other objects) that are adjacent to and/or placed on theflooring. Additionally, while some implementations of the wand headcomprise a lip but do not include any additional wheels or rollers, insome other implementations, the lower back side of the wand headcomprise both a lip and one or more rollers.

In some implementations, the described wand further includes one or morefilters. While such filters can be disposed in any suitable location, insome implementations, a filter is disposed on the wand adjacent to thewand head. In some other implementations, however, a filter is disposedon the vacuum tube closer to a trigger assembly than to the head.Accordingly, in some embodiments, the wand head is able to remainrelatively light in weight (e.g., to help the head to easily slideacross flooring surfaces).

In some implementations, the described systems and methods (and/or anyother suitable systems and methods that produce or use electrolyzedwater) comprise one or more magnets that are configured to improve theeffectiveness of the cell and/or electrolyzed alkaline water and/orelectrolyzed oxidizing water produced by the cell (e.g., by affectingminerals and/or their charge to help prevent the minerals in the waterfrom plating out and/or precipitating and leaving residue on theelectrolytic cell's electrodes, spacers, and/or ion permeable membrane(which can damage the membrane and/or reduce its effectiveness); byaffecting minerals and/or their charge to help prevent the minerals fromleaving residue on the surface being cleaned; by improving the abilityof the electrolyzed water to penetrate cleaning surfaces and/or todissolve dirt and/or other debris; and/or by otherwise improving theeffectiveness of the system and/or its products). In this regard, thesystem can comprise any suitable type of magnet, including, withoutlimitation, one or more neodymium magnets; neodymium iron boron magnets;aluminum nickel cobalt alloy magnets; samarium cobalt magnets;electromagnets; ceramic magnets; ferrite magnets; barium ferritemagnets; sintered composite magnets comprising powdered iron oxide andbarium or strontium carbonate; magnetite magnets; lodestone magnets;magnets comprising gadolinium and/or dysprosium; iron alloy magnets;steel magnets; rare earth metal magnets; sintered magnets, cast magnets;plastic bonded magnets; isotropic magnets; anisotropic magnets;electronic de-scalers; magnets having a variable magnetic pole; and/orany other suitable type of materials or devices that have (or that areconfigured to have) magnetic properties (e.g., to produce a magneticfield).

Indeed, in some cases, the described systems and methods comprise one ormore rare-earth magnets.

Where the described system comprises one or more magnets, the magnetscan be used in any suitable location that allows them to protect thecell and/or to improve the shelf life, the cleaning properties, and/orthe effectiveness of the electrolyzed alkaline water and/or electrolyzedoxidizing water produced by the system. Indeed, in some implementations,the described systems comprise one or more magnets that are coupled toor that are otherwise associated with one or more: fluid inlets into anelectrolytic cell (e.g., the described cell and/or any other suitablecell), compartments of the electrolytic cell, fluid outlets from theelectrolytic cell, hoses to the wand (and/or a sprayer or other cleaningtool) and/or storage tank, the wand (and/or any other suitable wand),the wand head, the rollers, hosing to the wand, a storage tank, and/orany other suitable component of the described system. Indeed, in someembodiments, the described systems comprise one or more magnets (e.g.,two opposing magnets) disposed at (and/or prior to) the fluid inlet intothe electrolytic cell. In this regard, the magnets can be any suitablelength, width, thickness, and/or diameter, including, withoutlimitation, having one or more such measurements that are between about0.001 cm and about 10 m (or any subrange thereof). Indeed, in someimplementations, the magnets are between about 4 cm and about 40 cm (orany subrange thereof) in diameter. In some cases, the magnets arebetween about 3 mm and about 2 cm thick. In some additional cases, thedescribed systems include multiple magnets that are disposed atdifferent places along and/or within the inlet line.

In accordance with some implementations, the described systems andmethods (and/or any other suitable system and/or methods) are configuredto allow one or more fluids (e.g., electrolyzed alkaline water and/orelectrolyzed oxidizing water) to flow past each other (and/orthemselves) and/or to obtain a vortex flow to improve the shelf life,cleaning effectiveness, binding strength, chemical reactivity, theemulsifying characteristics, and/or any other suitable characteristic ofthe electrolyzed alkaline water and/or electrolyzed oxidizing water. Inthis regard, it is theorized that as one or more fluids (e.g.,electrolyzed alkaline water, electrolyzed oxidizing water, and/ormixtures thereof) flow past each other and/or themselves, energy ispassed (e.g., via electrons or otherwise) between the fluids; moleculesin the fluids are caused to reorient as a result of interacting charges;and/or the fluids are otherwise modified to help them penetrate deeperinto cleaning surfaces, to release dirt from cleaning surfaces, to holdon to debris, and/or to otherwise perform their cleaning and/ordisinfecting functions more effectively.

Where one or more fluids (e.g., electrolyzed water) flow past each otheror themselves (e.g., in the described system 10, in a conventional ornovel electrolytic system, in a floor cleaning system, and/or in anyother suitable location), the fluids can flow past each other in anysuitable manner, including, without limitation, by flowing throughtubing and/or any other suitable conduit that: is wrapped in a helix, iswrapped in a double helix, is wrapped in a triple helix, is coiled uponitself, includes multiple channels, twisted, has a portion of a fluidseparated from another portion of the fluid by a single wall or membraneof the conduit, comprises internal features that cause the fluids toswirl and/or mix, comprises one or more inserts, and/or by otherwiserunning one portion of a conduit in proximity to another portion of theconduit (and/or another conduit) that comprises a fluid.

Indeed, in some implementations, the described systems and methodsinclude conditioning electrolyzed water (e.g., electrolyzed alkalinewater, electrolyzed oxidizing water, and/or mixtures thereof) bysplitting the electrolyzed water solution into two streams; running afirst stream of the electrolyzed water solution through a first conduit;running a second stream of the electrolyzed water solution through asecond conduit (wherein a length of the first conduit and a length ofthe second conduit run in close proximity to each other); mixing thefirst and second streams of the electrolyzed water together to form amixture; then applying the mixture to a material that is to be cleaned;and/or vacuuming up the mixture and debris from the material that isbeing cleaned. In some such implementations, the first and secondconduits are twisted together.

In accordance with some other implementations, the described systems andmethods relate to one or more cleaning agents that are configured tohelp improve cleaning processes. While the cleaning agent can compriseany suitable ingredient, in some cases, it includes sodium carbonate,sodium percarbonate, orange oil, orange peel terpene, citrus terpene,water, limonene, D-limonene, soy-based surfactants, soybean protein,and/or one or more: natural oil extracts, petroleum additives, bioorganic materials, enzymes, synthetic materials, and/or any othersuitable ingredient and/or ingredients.

The various ingredients in the cleaning agent can be present in thecleaning agent in any suitable concentration that allows the cleaningagent to be used to clean, pre-treat, and/or otherwise help removestains, residue, and/or debris from any suitable surface or object.Indeed, in some cases, the various active ingredients in the cleaningagent (e.g., sodium carbonate, sodium percarbonate, orange peel terpene,soybean protein, etc.) are each present in the cleaning agent atconcentration between about 0.1 and about 99% by molecular weight. Insome embodiments, each of the active ingredients in the cleaning agentis present at between about 0.1% and about 60% by molecular weight (orwithin any subrange thereof). Indeed, in some implementations, an activeingredient is added to the cleaning agent at a concentration of betweenabout 5% and about 30% by weight (e.g., at a concentration of about20%±5%).

The cleaning agent can be used in any suitable manner, including,without limitation, by being sprayed on a surface (e.g., as a pre-sprayfor application of the electrolyzed water, being sprayed with theelectrolyzed water, being applied to a surface after application of theelectrolyzed water, and/or at any other suitable time), misted on asurface, wiped on a surface, painted on a surface, and/or otherwiseapplied to a surface or material. Indeed, in some implementations, thedescribed cleaning agent is applied to a surface (e.g., flooring and/orany other suitable material) as a pre-spray (e.g., via a motorizedsprayer, a hand pump sprayer, and/or in any other suitable manner). Insome cases, after the cleaning agent has been applied (e.g., as apre-spray), electrolyzed water, water, and/or a vacuum is used to rinseand/or otherwise remove the cleaning agent from the material that isbeing cleaned.

Some implementations of the described systems and methods relate to theaddition of one or more chemicals to the electrolyzed alkaline water,the electrolyzed oxidizing water, and/or mixtures thereof. Indeed, insome cases, a natural agent is added to the electrolyzed alkaline and/orelectrolyzed oxidizing water. In this regard, some non-limiting examplesof materials that can be added to the electrolyzed alkaline water and/orelectrolyzed oxidizing water include sodium carbonate, sodiumpercarbonate, orange peel terpene, soybean protein, and/or any othersuitable natural agent.

In addition to (or in place of) the aforementioned ingredients, anyother suitable ingredient can be added to the electrolyzed alkalinewater and/or electrolyzed oxidizing water that is produced in accordancewith the described systems and methods. In this regard, somenon-limiting examples of such materials include, without limitation, oneor more: natural oil extracts, petroleum additives, bio organicmaterials, enzymes, synthetic materials, and/or any other suitableingredient and/or ingredients.

In accordance with some implementations, the described systems andmethods include one or more disposable and/or reusable cloths, towels,towelettes, rags, swabs, mops, sponges, scrubbers, microfiber cloths,scouring pads, pieces of steel wool, pads, bandages, and/or other formsof cleaning implements or wipes that comprise electrolyzed alkalinewater and/or electrolyzed oxidizing water. Indeed, in some cases, thewipes comprise cloth-like wipes that are partially wetted or saturatedwith electrolyzed water (e.g., electrolyzed alkaline water).

In some implementations, the described systems and methods include apackage of cleaning implements, the package comprising multiple cleaningimplements that each comprise an absorptive material; and anelectrolyzed water solution, wherein the electrolyzed water solution isdisposed within the absorptive material. In some such implementations,the cleaning implements are selected from wet wipes, sponges, cloths,brushes, towelettes, rags, swabs, mops, sponges, scrubbers, microfibercloths, scouring pads, pieces of steel wool, and combinations thereof.

In addition to comprising electrolyzed alkaline water (and/orelectrolyzed oxidizing water), the described wipes (or other cleaningimplements) can comprise any other suitable ingredient that allows themto be used for any suitable cleaning purpose. Some non-limiting examplesof such ingredients include one or more diluents, carriers, moisturizingagents, fragrances, surfactants (e.g., sodium diamphoacetate, cocophosphatidyl PG-dimonium chloride, and/or any other suitablesurfactants), humectants (e.g., propylene glycol, glycerine, and/or anyother suitable humectants that are capable of helping to prevent thewipes from drying out too quickly), coloring agents, alcohols, water,sterile water, deionized water, distilled water, reverse osmosis water,softened water, and/or other suitable ingredients.

Some implementations of the described systems and methods further relateto an agitator comprising two or more rug beaters, brushes, and/or otheragitators that are configured to pull hair, dust, and other debris fromsurfaces being cleaned. Indeed, in some cases, the agitator comprises atleast two brushes having relatively soft and/or stiff bristles, wherethe two brushes are substantially cylindrically shaped, and areconfigured to spin about an axis that runs substantially horizontally toa surface (e.g., flooring surface) being cleaned. In some suchimplementations, the brushes counter rotate. Indeed, in some cases,while a first brush can move clockwise, it can be selectively caused torotate counterclockwise, with the second brushes' direction of rotationalso being changed such that the brushes are counter rotating.

While the described systems and methods can be used in any suitablemanner, in some embodiments, as a surface is cleaned: the surface istreated with a counter rotating brush device (e.g., to pull up debrisfrom the surface being cleaned); a pre-treatment chemical (e.g., thecleaning agent discussed above) is applied to the surface (e.g., toloosen, break-up, sequester, emulsify, and/or otherwise treat debris onthe surface), and/or an electrolyzed water solution (e.g., electrolyzedoxidizing water (or in some cases, electrolyzed alkaline water) that ismade in accordance with the described systems and methods, including,without limitation by using a non-sodium chloride electrolyte like sodaash) is applied to and sucked from the material (e.g., via the describedwand head).

While the devices, systems, and methods of the present invention may beparticularly useful in the area of cleaning flooring, such as carpets,rugs, tile, stone, cement, brick, linoleum, wood, laminate, vinyl,rubber, mosaic, terracotta, glass, cork, and/or any other suitable typeof flooring, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the describeddevices, systems, and methods can be used to clean any other suitablesurface, including, without limitation, upholstery, furniture,draperies, blinds, walls, clothing, vehicle surfaces, operating roomsurfaces, bedding, and/or any other suitable surface.

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will beset forth or will become more fully apparent in the description thatfollows and in the appended claims. The features and advantages may berealized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinationsparticularly pointed out in the appended claims. Furthermore, thefeatures and advantages of implementations of the invention may belearned by the practice of such implementations or will be obvious fromthe description, as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the manner in which the above recited and other featuresand advantages of the present invention are obtained, a more particulardescription of the invention will be rendered by reference to specificembodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended drawings.Understanding that the drawings depict only representative embodimentsof the present invention and are not, therefore, to be considered aslimiting the scope of the invention, the present invention will bedescribed and explained with additional specificity and detail throughthe use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIGS. 1A-1D each illustrate a schematic view of a differentrepresentative embodiment of a cleaning system that is configured toproduce electrolyzed alkaline water and/or electrolyzed oxidizing water;

FIG. 1E illustrates a schematic view of an electrolytic cell that isconfigured to recirculate an anolyte through its anolyte compartment inaccordance with a representative embodiment;

FIG. 1F illustrates a schematic view of the electrolytic cell, whereinthe electrolytic cell is configured to recirculate anolyte through itsanolyte compartment in accordance with a representative embodiment; FIG.1G illustrates a schematic view of a concentrate cell chamber inaccordance with a representative embodiment;

FIG. 1H illustrates a view of an electrode that is used in connectionwith the described electrolytic cell in accordance with somerepresentative embodiments;

FIG. 1I illustrates a perspective view of a spacer frame that is used inconnection with the described electrolytic cell in accordance with somerepresentative embodiments;

FIG. 1J illustrates an electron microscope image depicting waterclusters found in regular water;

FIG. 1K illustrates an electron microscope image depicting hexamer waterclusters formed by exposure to an electrode in accordance with someembodiments;

FIG. 1L illustrates a schematic diagram showing some embodiments of thedescribed systems that are carried in a vehicle;

FIGS. 1M-1O depict different portions of the described system, disposedwithin a vehicle in accordance with some representative embodiments;

FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C respectively illustrate a front, side, and rearelevation view of a representative embodiment of a wand;

FIG. 2D illustrates a side schematic view of a representative embodimentof the wand;

FIG. 2E illustrates a partial, side, cross-sectional view of arepresentative embodiment of the wand head;

FIG. 2F illustrates a perspective view of the wand head in which thehead is in contact with a piece of a transparent material such that ashroud of the wand head and/or the wand head forms at least a partialseal with the transparent material and such that fluid sprayed from oneor more jets in the head is allowed to be sucked up into a vacuum portin the wand head in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 2G illustrates a perspective view of a portion of the wand head inaccordance with a representative embodiment;

FIGS. 2H-2I illustrate perspective views of a wand handle in accordancewith some embodiments;

FIG. 2J illustrates a side view of the wand in accordance with someembodiments;

FIG. 3A illustrates a side elevation view of a representative embodimentof the wand;

FIG. 3B illustrates a front elevation view of a representativeembodiment of a wand head;

FIG. 3C illustrates a back elevation view of a representative embodimentof the wand head;

FIG. 4A illustrates a side schematic view of a representative embodimentof the wand;

FIG. 4B illustrates a plan view of a representative embodiment of aroller;

FIG. 4C illustrates a back elevation view of a representative embodimentof the wand head;

FIG. 5 illustrates a side schematic view of a representative embodimentof the wand;

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective, exploded view of a representativeembodiment of the wand;

FIGS. 7-10 each depict a perspective view of a portion of the wand headin accordance with some representative embodiments;

FIGS. 11A-11E each illustrate a section of hosing associated with one ormore magnets for conditioning electrolyzed water;

FIGS. 12A-12E illustrate a different view hosing having two or moreportions that are closely associated with each other in accordance withsome embodiments;

FIGS. 12F-12H depict cross-section views of a conduit having an internalseparator in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 12L illustrates a section of conduit having an internal surfacethat is configured to cause mixing and/or a vortex in fluids that flowthrough it in accordance with some embodiments;

FIGS. 12J-12K show that in some embodiments, an insert can be placed intubing to help condition fluids that flow through the tubing;

FIG. 12L illustrates a molecular water vortex in accordance with someembodiments;

FIG. 12M illustrates a somewhat helical flow that can be achieved inaccordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 12N illustrates some embodiments of a system for conditioningelectrolyzed water;

FIGS. 12O-12P depicts some experimental results showing some differencesin effect between standard electrolyzed water and conditionedelectrolyzed water;

FIG. 12S depicts some embodiments of a water nano cluster;

FIGS. 12P-12R provide some experimental results obtained fromconditioned electrolyzed water, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 13 illustrates a representative embodiment of a cleaning implementcomprising electrolyzed water (e.g., electrolyzed alkaline water);

FIG. 14A illustrates a representative embodiment of an agitator;

FIGS. 14B-14C each illustrate a schematic side view of the agitator,showing different embodiments in which brushes in the agitator counterrotate in different directions;

FIG. 15 illustrates a representative system that provides a suitableoperating environment for use with some embodiments of the describedelectrolytic cell and/or cleaning system; and

FIG. 16 illustrates a representative embodiment of a networked systemthat provides a suitable operating environment for use with someembodiments of the described electrolytic cell and/or cleaning system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to systems and methods for cleaningmaterials and surfaces, such as flooring, furniture, drapery,upholstery, and any other suitable materials and surfaces. Inparticular, some implementations of the present invention relate tosystems and methods for using an electrolytic cell to generateelectrolyzed alkaline water and/or electrolyzed oxidizing water byelectrolyzing a solution comprising sodium carbonate, soda ash, sodiumbicarbonate, washing soda, soda crystals, crystal carbonate, sodiumacetate, sodium percarbonate, potassium carbonate, potassiumbicarbonate, sodium chloride, potassium chloride, and/or any othersuitable salt and/or other electrolyte (e.g., any suitable electrolytecomprising one or more alkali ions). In some cases, the cell comprises arecirculation loop that recirculates anolyte through an anodecompartment of the cell. In some cases, the cell further comprises asenor and/or a processor, where the processor is configured toautomatically change an operation of the cell, based on a reading fromthe sensor. In some cases, a fluid flows past a magnet before enteringthe cell. In some additional cases, fluid from the cell is conditionedby being split into multiple conduits that run in proximity to eachother. While the electrolyzed alkaline and/or electrolyzed oxidizingwater can be used for any suitable purpose, in some implementations,they are used to clean and/or disinfect carpets, rugs, tile, stone,linoleum, flooring surfaces, furniture, walls, drywall, plaster,countertops, blinds, appliances, woods, metals, vehicles, upholstery,drapes, fabrics, clothing, cloth, bedding, beds, laminates, surfaceswhich are touched by humans (e.g., door knobs, handrails, chairs,tables, light switches, remote controls, windows, etc.), wounds, and/orany other suitable surface, object, or material

In the disclosure and in the claims the terms surface, flooring, floor,flooring surface, and variations thereof, may refer to any suitable formof flooring, walls, carpet, rug, tile, stone, wood, slate, cement,laminate, vinyl, vinyl asbestos, plaster, metal, wood, mosaic,terracotta, terrazzo, ceramic, unglazed ceramic, brick, paver,porcelain, glass, cork, linoleum, rubber, grout, composite, synthetic,natural, cultured, and/or other floor surface, upholstery, furniture,draperies, blinds, walls, clothing, object, and/or material that can becleaned and/or otherwise treated by the described electrolyzed water,wand, and/or other systems and methods.

The following disclosure of the present invention is grouped into sevensubheadings, namely “Electrolytic System”, “Electrolytes”, “Wand”,“Magnets”, “Electrolyzed Water Conditioning”, “Cleaning Agent”,“Modified Electrolyzed Water”, “Wipes and Cleaning Implements”, “CounterRotating Device”, and “Representative Methods and OperatingEnvironment”. The utilization of the subheadings is for convenience ofthe reader only and is not to be construed as limiting in any sense.

Electrolytic System

In accordance with some embodiments, the described systems and methodscomprise one or more electrolytic systems that are configured to producean electrolyzed alkaline solution (e.g., electrolyzed alkaline watercomprising NaOH and/or any other suitable base), an electrolyzedoxidizing solution (e.g., electrolyzed oxidizing water comprising HOCland/or any other suitable acid), bleach, and/or any other suitablechemical that can be used for any suitable purpose, including, withoutlimitation, for: cleaning and/or disinfecting floors, walls,countertops, living surfaces, ventilation systems, and/or any othersuitable surface or material; washing clothes, textiles, and/or fabrics;washing furniture, drapes, and/or any other suitable object; sterilizinghealthcare facilities; and/or for any other suitable purpose. In someembodiments, the described electrolytic system is configured to produceelectrolyzed alkaline water (or alkaline water) for cleaning,electrolyzed oxidizing water (or oxidizing water) for disinfecting,bleach, and/or a variety of other chemicals. In some cases, as theelectrolyzed alkaline water is used more than electrolyzed oxidizingwater, the system is configured to produce more alkaline water thanoxidizing water. Indeed, in some embodiments, the system is configuredto produce relatively large amounts of alkaline water, whilerecirculating oxidizing water (and/or anolyte) through the system todramatically reduce the amount of oxidizing water that is produced(e.g., as compared to some competing devices).

While the described electrolytic system can comprise any suitablecomponent that allows it to produce an electrolyzed alkaline solution,an electrolyzed oxidizing solution, and/or any other suitable product,FIG. 1A shows that in at least some embodiments, the electrolytic system10 comprises one or more electrolytic cells 12, anodes 14, cathodes 16,ion exchange membranes 18, water inlets 20, filters 22, water softenersand/or other water treatment systems 24, valves 26, pumps 28, fluidmixers 30, electrolyte inlets 32, electrolyte feeders 34, fluid outlets36, control systems 38, containers 40, dispensing tools 42, vacuums 44,waste tanks/drains 46, heaters 48, sensors 50, power supplies 51, and/orother suitable components.

In this regard, while the electrolytic system 10 can function in anysuitable manner, in some embodiments, water and/or any other suitablesolution ((e.g., a brine solution, a NaCl solution, and/or a non-NaClsolution), and/or any other suitable solution that allows for anelectrolytic reaction to occur in the electrolytic cell 12) is added toan anode (or anolyte) compartment 52 and/or to a cathode (or catholyte)compartment 54. Indeed, although in some embodiments, water and anelectrolyte (e.g., NaCl, Na₂CO₃, NaHCO₃, and/or any other suitable ionicsubstance) are added to both the anode and cathode compartments, in someother embodiments, water and one or more electrolytes (e.g., Na₂CO₃) areadded to the anode compartment, while water is added to the cathodecompartment. In some cases, current is then passed between the anode 14and the cathode 16, such that the electrolyte is ionized to releasealkali cations (e.g., Na⁺, K⁺, L⁺, and/or any other suitable cation),which are passed from the anode compartment 52, through the membrane 18,and to the cathode compartment 46. Additionally, as the as the celloperates, water is electrolyzed to create OH− and H+ ions. Thus, ascations (e.g., N⁺) leave the anode compartment, the solution in theanode compartment becomes acidic (e.g., forming an electrolyzedoxidizing solution comprising HOCl, and/or any other suitable chemical)and the solution in the cathode compartment becomes basic (e.g., formingan electrolyzed alkaline solution comprising sodium hydroxide (NaOH),and/or any other suitable chemical).

In some embodiments, the solution in the anode compartment 52 (or theanolyte) is optionally recirculated through the anode compartment(and/or in any other suitable manner) with additional electrolyte (e.g.,soda ash and/or any other suitable electrolyte) being added asappropriate (e.g., as needed to produce a suitable amount (and/ordesired concentration) of an electrolyzed alkaline solution in thecathode compartment). In some cases, however, a portion of the solutionin the cathode compartment (e.g., the electrolyzed alkaline solution) isdrained, pumped, and/or otherwise removed from the cathode compartment(e.g., for use in cleaning surfaces and/or any other suitable objects).By way of non-limiting illustration, FIG. 1A shows that, in someembodiments, electrolyzed alkaline water (not shown) is released fromthe cathode compartment 54 into a container 40 to then be applied to anobject (e.g., carpet and/or any other suitable material) via one or moredispensing tools 42 (e.g., wands, sprayers, agitators, and/or othersuitable dispensers). Indeed, in some embodiments, the electrolyzedalkaline solution is sprayed through a wand 100 to a desired object(e.g., flooring, walls, etc.) with the solution and debris then beingsucked up through the wand (e.g., via the vacuum 48) to a waste tank 46and/or a drain. To provide a better understanding of the describedelectrolytic system 10, some of the various optional elements of thesystem are described below in more detail.

With respect to the electrolytic cell 12, the electrolytic cell can haveany suitable characteristic that allows it to function as describedherein. For instance, the cell 12 and its various compartments (e.g., 52and 54) and components can be any suitable size that allows the cell tofunction as described herein. By way of example, some embodiments of thecell have a footprint that is less than about 4 m by about 4 m (orwithin any subrange thereof). Indeed, some embodiments of the cell havea footprint that is less than about 1 m by about 1 m. For instance, someimplementations of the cell have a footprint that is about 2 cm by about0.76 m. Thus, while some embodiments of the cell are configured to bestationary, some other embodiments are configured to be mobile (e.g.,carried by a truck, trailer, van, skid, cart, dolly, backpack, sling,and/or in any other suitable manner). Additionally, in some embodiments,the cell is easily configured to be used in homes, in vehicles, slings,backpacks, carts, wheeled structures, and/or in any other suitablemanners and/or locations.

Additionally, the cell 12 can comprise any suitable material that allowsit to function as described herein. Some non-limiting examples of suchmaterials include one or more: metals or alloys (e.g., stainless steel,steel, carbon steel, titanium, and/or any other suitable metal), typesof glass, plastics, polymers, ceramics, synthetic materials, and/orother suitable materials. In some embodiments, however, the cellcomprises stainless steel.

With respect to the anodes 14 and cathodes 16, such electrodes 17 cancomprise any suitable material that allows them to function as describedherein to form electrolyzed alkaline, electrolyzed oxidizing water,and/or any other suitable chemical. In this regard, some examples ofsuitable electrode materials include, but are not limited to, one ormore of the following: stainless steel; dimensionally stable anodematerials; ruthenium coated on a conductive material; ruthenium oxidecoated titanium, lead, tungsten, tungsten carbide, titanium diboride,nickel, cobalt, nickel tungstate, nickel titanate, graphite, ceramicelectrode material, platinum, silver, titanium carbide, a porouselectrode material, a foamed electrode material, and/or other suitablematerials; and/or any other suitable electrode materials. Indeed, insome embodiments, the anode and/or cathode comprise stainless steel(e.g., stainless steel having one or more electrode coatings).

The anode 14 and cathode 15 can also have any suitable shape that allowsthem to function as described herein. Indeed, in some embodiments, theelectrodes comprise one or more wires, plates, rods, meshes, blocks,screens, and/or any other suitable shape and configuration. By way ofnon-limiting illustration, FIGS. 1A and 1C show some embodiments inwhich the anode 14 and cathode 16 comprise a rod and/or block. Incontrast, FIG. 1D shows an embodiment in which the anode 14 and cathode16 each comprise a plate that has a relatively large amount of surfaceare on which electrolytic reactions can take place. Additionally, FIG.1H shows an embodiment in which the electrode 17 (e.g., cathode and/oranode) comprises a coated object having a substantially flat surface.While such plates (and/or coated objects) can perform any suitablepurpose, in some embodiments, the plates are configured to help hold themembrane 18 in place, while allowing for a continuous flow of fluidthrough the cell 12. Moreover, while such electrodes can perform anysuitable function, including, without limitation, ionizing ionicmaterials in the electrolytes, FIG. 1K shows that, in some embodiments,the electrodes (not shown in FIG. 1K) form hexamer water clusters fromnormal water clusters (e.g., shown in 1J).

With respect to the ion exchange membrane 18, the cell 12 can compriseany known or novel ion exchange membrane and/or diaphragm that issuitable for use in the described system 10 and that is configured toallow alkali ions (e.g., Na⁺ and/or any other suitable alkali ion) to betransferred from the anode compartment 52, through the membrane 18, andto the cathode compartment 54, while helping to separate the solutionsin the anode and cathode compartments. In this regard, some non-limitingexamples of suitable membranes comprise one or more porous membranes,non-porous membranes, NaSICON™ membranes, sodium ion and protonselective membranes, cation-permeable membranes, sodium phosphotungstatemembranes, soda glass membranes, and/or other suitable cation permeablemembranes. In some embodiments, however, the membrane comprises anon-porous, sodium selective membrane. With reference to the waterinlets 20, the electrolytic cell 12 can receive water from any suitablesource (including, without limitation, from one or more water tanks,potable water sources, non-potable water sources, irrigation watersources, distilled water, and/or other water sources) and can allow suchwater to be added to the anode compartment 52 and/or the cathodecompartment 54 through one or more conduits, pipes, openings, spouts,valves, variable valves, variable speed pumps, and/or other inlets.Indeed, in some embodiments, potable water is added to the electrolyticcell through one or more inlets (e.g., an inlet for the anodecompartment and an inlet for the cathode compartment). In some otherembodiments, however, (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 1G) a single fluidinlet 20 is configured to provided fluid (e.g., electrolyte) to both theanode compartment 52 and the cathode compartment 54.

Although, in some embodiments, water is added to the anode 52 and/orcathode 54 compartments manually, in some embodiments, water is added tothe various compartments when a valve 26 is opened (e.g., manuallyand/or automatically, completely and/or partially), when a pump 28 isactuated (e.g., one or more desired pumping rates), and/or in any othersuitable manner. Indeed, in some embodiments, the system 10 isconfigured to activate one or more valves and/or pumps (e.g., via thecontrol system 38 and/or otherwise) to add more water (and/orelectrolyte solution) to one or more compartments of the cell as needed.In this regard, as some embodiments of the cell are configured torecycle fluids through (and/or within) the anode compartment whilefluids from the cathode compartment are used as cleaning agents, thedescribed system is configured to selectively add water (and/or to allowwater and/or an electrolyte solution to be selectively added) to thecathode compartment at a faster rate than an electrolytic solution (orthe electrolyte and/or water) is added to the anode compartment.

With respect to the filters 22, the system 10 can comprise any suitabletype and number of filters that allow debris, chemicals, and/or mineralsto be removed from the water that is added into the cell 12. In thisregard, some non-limiting examples of suitable filters include one ormore screen filters, carbon filters, activated carbon filters, reverseosmosis filters, membrane filters, mechanical filters, ultraviolet lightfilters, deionization filters, paper filters, and/or any other suitabletype of filter.

With respect to the water softeners and/or other water treatment systems24, the system 10 can be used with any suitable system that is capableof softening and/or otherwise treating water that is introduced into thecell 12. Indeed, in some embodiments, the described system comprises oneor more ion-exchange polymer systems; salt, water softeners; magnets(e.g., permanent magnets, electromagnets, temporary magnets, etc.);reverse osmosis systems; water distillation systems; and/or othersuitable water treatment systems. In some embodiments, however, thesystem comprises a water softening system. Where the water treatmentsystem 24 is configured to soften the water, the water can be softenedto have any suitable water hardness measurement. Indeed, in someembodiments, the water treatment system is configured to cause waterthat is supplied to the cell 12 to have less than about a 15 grainhardness (or any lower level). In some cases, for instance, the watertreatment system is configured to provide the water introduced into thecell to have less than a 2.0 grain hardness (e.g., less than a 1.0 grainhardness).

In accordance with some embodiments, the cell 12 is used with one ormore sensors 50 that are configured to determine a quality of water(and/or electrolyte solution) that is being added to the cell. In thisregard, such sensors can identify magnesium, calcium, and/or othermineral levels; debris; bacteria; pathogens; grain hardness; and/orother undesirable materials in, or characteristics of, the water. Insome such cases, the system 10 is configured such that when the sensorsdetermine that influent's quality falls outside of one or more setparameters (e.g., it is too hard), the system is configured to stop theflow of water and/or the electrolyte solution into the cell (e.g., byclosing a valve, diverting the fluids from flowing into the cell, and/orin any other suitable manner) and/or to stop the cell from functioning(e.g., by stopping or reducing the charge that is passed between theelectrodes and/or in any other suitable manner). Thus, in someembodiments, the described systems and methods are configured to preventlow quality water and/or electrolyte solution from causing undue damageto the electrodes 17 (e.g., via scaling, precipitation, hard water buildup, pitting, etc.).

Turning now to the valves 26, the system 10 can comprise any suitabletype and number of valves that allows the system to selectively: addwater and/or electrolyte solution to the anode 52 and/or cathode 54compartments; add electrolyte to the anode 52 and/or cathode 54compartments; allow fluid to flow from the anode and/or cathodecompartments; allow fluid to be recirculated through the anodecompartment; allow fluid from the anode compartment to be used outsideof the cell (e.g., for sanitization, to be sent to a drain, to be sentto a tank, and/or to be sent to any other suitable location); allowfluid from the cathode compartment to flow to the container 40, a drain,and/or any other desired location; allow the system to switch betweensending water and sending an electrolytic solution (e.g., an NaClsolution and/or any other electrolyte) to the cathode compartment; allowthe system to switch from sending a first electrolyte solution (e.g., anaqueous solution comprising Na₂CO₃) to sending a second electrolytesolution (e.g., an aqueous solution comprising NaCl) to the anodecompartment; to vary a speed at which fluids (e.g., anolyte, catholyte,electrolyte, products, etc. pass through and/or are added to the anodeand/or cathode compartments; vary pressure within one or morecompartments of the cell; increase and decrease pressures in the anodeand cathode compartments, while keeping such pressures substantiallyequal; slow and/or prevent fluids and/or gases from moving through(and/or out of) the system; venting one or more portions of the system;and/or to otherwise allow the system to function as described herein.

Indeed, in some embodiments, the valves 26 allow electrolyzed alkalinewater to be selectively released from the system 10. In some otherembodiments, the valves are configured to be selectively switched tostop the release of electrolyzed alkaline water while allowing the flowof electrolyzed oxidizing water (e.g., for sanitization and/or any othersuitable purposes). In still other embodiments, the valves areconfigured to be selectively controlled to simultaneously releaseelectrolyzed alkaline water and electrolyzed oxidizing water in anysuitable amounts or any suitable volume ratios with respect to eachother. In still other embodiments, one or more valves, pumps, dosingmechanisms, and/or other suitable mechanisms are configured toselectively and/or automatically add additional electrolyte to one ormore compartments of the cell (e.g., the anolyte compartment).

Where the system 10 comprises one or more valves 26, the valves can bedisposed in any suitable location or locations that allow the system tofunction as described herein. By way of non-limiting illustration, FIG.1A shows that in at least some embodiments, the system 10 comprises oneor more valves 26 on: the fluid inlets 20 to the anode and cathodecompartments (52 and 54), the fluid outlets 36 from such compartments,the recirculation line 31 (discussed below) of the anode compartment 52,and/or in any other suitable location. Additionally, while FIG. 1A showsthat in some embodiments (as discussed below) the system 10 comprisesone or more electrolyte feeders 34, in some embodiments, such feeders(or feed mechanisms) comprise a valve, a pump, auger, conveyor, dosingmechanisms, and/or any other suitable mechanism that is configured todeliver electrolyte and/or an electrolyte solution to the cell.

In another non-limiting illustration, FIG. 1B shows an embodiment inwhich the system 10 comprises a first valve 56 (e.g., a solenoid, avariable valve, and/or any other suitable valve) and a second valve 58(e.g., a pressure regulating, a variable valve, and/or any othersuitable valve) to control an amount, timing, and pressure of water(e.g., zero hardness potable water and/or any other suitable water) thatflows into the cell 12. Again, in some embodiments, such valves arecontrolled by one or more sensors and/or the control system 38 and/orany other suitable processor. In any case, FIG. 1B also shows that insome embodiments, the system 10 optionally comprises a valve 60 (e.g., avariable valve, a mechanically controlled valve, and/or any othersuitable valve) that is configured to control the introduction of afirst electrolyte and/or electrolyte solution (e.g., an aqueous solutioncomprising Na₂CO₃ from a storage tank 62) into the anode compartment(e.g., via an anolyte recirculation tank 64). Additionally, FIG. 1Bshows that some embodiments of the system 10 comprise yet another valve66 that is configured to control the introduction of a secondelectrolyte and/or electrolytic solution (e.g., an aqueous solution ofNaCl from a tank 68) into the anode compartment and/or cathodecompartment of the cell 12. Thus, in some embodiments, the system isconfigured to switch between using a first electrolyte solution (e.g., aNa2CO3 solution) in the anode compartment (e.g., with water in thecathode compartment) to using a second electrolyte solution (e.g., aNaCl solution) in the anode and/or cathode compartment (and/or to usinga combination thereof).

Continuing with FIG. 1B, that figure shows that, in at least someembodiments, the system 10 comprises one or more valves 26 (e.g., afirst three-way valve 70, a variable valve, and/or any other suitablevalve or valves) that controls (at least partially): (a) the flow orrecirculation of anolyte through the anode compartment and/or (b) theflow of water (e.g., softened, potable water) and/or a secondelectrolyte solution (e.g., an aqueous NaCl solution) into the cell.Additionally, FIG. 1B shows that, in some embodiments, another valve(e.g., a second three-way valve 72, a variable valve, and/or any othersuitable valve or valves) controls (at least partially): (a)recirculation of the anolyte through the anode compartment, (b) releaseof gases through a vent 74, and/or (c) release of fluids (e.g., anolyte)through a discharge line 36.

In still another non-limiting illustration, FIG. 1C shows that, in someembodiments, the system 10 comprises one or more valves 76 that at leastpartially control recirculation of the anolyte through the anodecompartment 52. Additionally, FIG. 1C shows that, in some embodiments,the system 10 comprises one or more additional valves 26 that control(and/or prevent) the flow and/or flowrate of a second electrolytesolution (e.g., a NaCl solution) into the anode compartment 52 and/orthe cathode compartment 54.

While the system 10 can comprise any suitable type of valve 26, someexamples of suitable valves include, but are not limited to, one or morevariable valves, manual valves, automated valves, motorized valves,powered valves, solenoid valves, ball valves, butterfly valves, gatevalves, check valves, actuated valves, and/or any other suitable valves.Again, while one or more of the valves are manually operated in someembodiments of the system, in some other embodiments, one or more valvesare configured to be automated (e.g., controlled by one or moreprocessors of the control system 38). Accordingly, in some suchembodiments, the described system can automatically adjust its operatingparameters based on any suitable element (e.g., as discussed below),including, without limitation, based on the quality or characteristicsof the water being fed into the cell 12, the conductivity of one or moresolutions in the cell, the flowrate of one or more fluids through thecell, and/or any other suitable feature.

With respect to the pumps 28, the system 10 can comprise any suitabletype and number of pumps, in any suitable locations, that allow thesystem to produce electrolyzed alkaline water and/or electrolyzedoxidizing water. In this regard, the pumps can perform any suitableprocess, including, without limitation, forcing one or more fluidsand/or gases through the system, preventing one or more fluids or gasesfrom moving through the system, increasing and/or decreasing a rate atwhich materials flow though the cell, varying pressure within the cell,introducing materials (e.g., electrolyte, electrolyte solution, water,and/or any other suitable material) into the cell, and/or functioningwith (and/or in place of) one or more valves 26 and/or dosing or feedermechanisms.

Some non-limiting examples of suitable pumps 28 include one or morevariable speed pumps; magnetic drive pumps; AC pumps; DC pumps;peristaltic pumps; positive displacement pumps; negative displacementpumps; piezoelectric pumps; manual pumps; motorized pumps; piston pumps;fixed displacement piston pumps; axial piston pumps; radial pumps;reciprocating pumps; plunger pumps; roots blowers; pumps that areconfigured to increase pressure within the cell 12, the container 40,and/or any other suitable location to thereby force fluid from orthrough the system; centrifugal pumps; rotary pumps; vane-type pumps;diaphragm pumps; multi-stage pumps; variable speed pumps; wringers(e.g., one wheel that pinches a portion of the a flexible bladderagainst another wheel or other object in which at least one wheel isconfigured to roll to force fluid from the bladder); and/or any othersuitable mechanism that is capable of forcing and/or drawing fluid(and/or any other suitable material) within or from any suitable portionof the system. In some embodiments, the pumps comprise one or more magdrive pumps and/or variable speed pumps. In this regard, in accordancewith some such embodiments, magnetic drive pumps lack shaft seals, whichcan leak.

In some embodiments, the pumps 28 are configured to selectively move(manually and/or automatically) one or more fluids into and/or out ofthe anode compartment 52, the cathode compartment 54, one or morestorage containers 40, one or more dispensing tools 42, one or moredrains, an electrolyte container 62 that comprises a first electrolyteand/or a first electrolyte solution (e.g., a Na₂CO₃ solution), anotherelectrolyte container 68 that comprises a second electrolyte and/or asecond electrolyte solution (e.g., a NaCl solution), an anolyterecirculation tank 64, and/or other suitable portion of the system.Again, while such pumps can be disposed in any suitable location, FIG.1A shows an embodiment in which a pump 28 (e.g., pump 29) is used torecycle fluid (e.g., anolyte) in the anode compartment 52 and anotherpump (e.g., pump 33) is used to move fluid (e.g., electrolyzed alkalinewater) from the container 40 to a dispensing tool 42. Additionally, FIG.1B shows an embodiment in which a first 78 and second 80 pumprespectively move a first (e.g., a Na₂CO₃ solution) and second (e.g., aNaCl solution) electrolyte solution from the first 62 and the second 68electrolyte containers to the cell 12.

FIG. 1C shows that, in some embodiments, the system 10 comprises: (a) afirst pump 82 that is configured to selectively move a first electrolyte(e.g., Na₂CO₃, a solution comprising Na₂CO₃, and/or any other suitableelectrolyte) from the first electrolyte tank 62 into the anolyterecirculation tank 64 and/or the anode compartment 52; (b) a second pump84 that is configured to selectively recirculate fluids (e.g., anolyte)through the anode compartment 52 and/or the anolyte recirculation tank64; and/or (c) a third pump 86 that is configured to selective move asecond electrolyte (e.g., NaCl, a NaCl solution, and/or any othersuitable electrolyte) from a second electrolyte container 68 to theanode 52 and/or cathode 54 compartments. Again, it should be noted thatthe various pumps, valves, dosing mechanisms, and feeders discussedherein, can be interchanged and replaced with any other suitablecomponent that allows the cell to produce electrolyzed water and/or tootherwise function as described herein.

Turning now to the fluid mixers 30, some embodiments of the system 10comprise one or more fluid mixers in the anode compartment 52, thecathode compartment 54, and/or the anolyte recirculation tank 64 thatare configured to mix fluids within such containers. Thus, in someembodiments, the mixers help keep electrolyte and/or ion concentrationssubstantially homogeneous within the anode and/or cathode compartments,mix electrolytes into solution in one or both of the compartments (e.g.,the anode compartment), help speed chemical reactions within the cell,cause gas bubbles to be off gassed, to improve cell electrolysisefficiency, and/or to otherwise help the cell 12 to perform its intendedfunctions.

The system 10 can comprise any suitable type of fluid mixers 30,including, without limitation, one or more magnetic stirrers, impellers,mixers, blades, turbines, pumps 28, inlets, outlets, cyclo mixers,recirculation lines, circulation pumps, jets, spacer frames, agitators,and/or other suitable mixing mechanisms. By way of non-limitingillustration, FIGS. 1A-1C show some embodiments in which the mixer 30comprises one or more recirculation lines 31 and/or pumps 28 that areconfigured to cause fluid in the anode compartment 52 to be mixed asfluid is recirculated through the compartment. Additionally, in someembodiments, the electrolyte storage tank 62 comprises one or moreagitators and/or any other suitable mixing mechanisms that areconfigured to mix materials (e.g., anolyte) that are within the storagetank.

With reference now to the electrolyte inlets 32, one or moreelectrolytes can be added to the anode 52 and/or cathode 54 compartmentsin any suitable manner, including, without limitation, manually and/orautomatically. In some embodiments, an electrolyte solution is addeddirectly to the cell 12 (e.g., the anode compartment and/or to thecathode compartment, in some embodiments). In some other embodiments,water and/or an electrolyte solution is added to the cell, and thenadditional electrolyte is added (e.g., as a powder, solid, liquid, gel,liquid, and/or otherwise) to the cell as needed (e.g., as electrolyteconcentration drops in the anode and/or cathode compartments). In someembodiments, the system 10 comprises one or more electrolyte inlets thatare configured to direct electrolytes into a compartment of the cell. Byway of non-limiting illustration, FIGS. 1A-C show some embodiments inwhich the anode compartment 52, the cathode compartment 54, and/or thecell 12 comprise one or more electrolyte inlets 32.

In some embodiments, the system 10 comprises one or more electrolytefeeders 34 that are configured to add electrolyte to the anodecompartment 52 (and/or, in some cases, cathode compartment 54).Specifically, FIGS. 1A-1C show that, in some cases, the system 10comprises an electrolyte feeder 34 that is configured to add a firstelectrolyte (e.g., Na₂CO₃ and/or any other suitable electrolyte) to theanode compartment 52 and/or the anolyte recirculation tank 64.Similarly, FIGS. 1B and 1C show some embodiments in which the system 10comprises an electrolyte feeder 34 to provide a second electrolyte(e.g., NaCl and/or any other suitable electrolyte) to the anodecompartment 52 and/or the cathode compartment 54.

Where the system 10 comprises one or more electrolyte feeders 34, thefeeders can comprise any suitable mechanism that is configured to addelectrolyte to the cell 12. Some examples of suitable feeders compriseone or more peristaltic pumps, valves 26, pumps 28, injectors, augers,droppers, mechanized electrolyte delivery systems, dosing mechanisms,and/or other mechanisms that are configured to add electrolyte to thecell (e.g., to the anode compartment or elsewhere). Indeed, in someembodiments, the feeder comprises one or more pumps 28 (e.g., as shownin FIGS. 1A-C). In any case, the feeder can be controlled in anysuitable manner, including, without limitation, manually and/orautomatically (e.g., via the control system 38 or otherwise). Indeed, insome embodiments, the feeder comprises one or more meters that areconfigured to inject (and/or otherwise provide) specific amounts of theelectrolyte into the cell (either directly or indirectly) to obtainelectrolyzed water (e.g., alkaline and/or oxidizing) with one or moredesired characteristics. Additionally, in some embodiments (and asdiscussed below) when the system determines that the amount ofelectrolyte in the solution should be changed to produce a desiredproduct and/or to compensate for one or more other variables in thesystem's operation, in some embodiments, the feeders are configured toautomatically (e.g., with a the control system and/or sensors 50) tovary the amount of electrolyte in the system.

With reference now to the fluid outlets 36, the system 10 can compriseany suitable number of fluid outlets that are disposed in any suitablelocation or locations that allow fluid to be transferred from the anodecompartment 52 and/or the cathode compartment 54 to any suitablelocation. Indeed, in some embodiments, the fluid outlets are configuredto allow the system to selectively send electrolyzed alkaline waterand/or electrolyzed oxidizing water to any suitable location, including,without limitation, to a container (e.g., container 40 in the case ofthe electrolyzed alkaline water), to a dispensing tool 42, to a drain,the anode compartment 52, and/or to any other suitable location.

With reference now to the sensors 50, the system 10 can comprise anysuitable type and number of sensors that allows the system to produceelectrolyzed alkaline water, electrolyzed oxidizing water, and/or anyother suitable product. Some non-limiting examples of such sensors arepH sensors, conductivity sensors, flowrate sensors, flow meters, fluidflow sensors, fluid velocity sensors, fluid level sensors, electrolyteconcentration sensors, temperature sensors, voltage sensors, currentsensors, pressure sensors, ion selective sensors, electrical sensors,electrical potential sensors, electrochemical sensors, hydrogen sensors,scales, water purity sensors, water quality meters, oxidation reductionpotential (“ORP”) meters, redox sensors, magnesium sensors, calciumsensors, water hardness sensors, and/or any other suitable sensors,disposed in any suitable location (including, without limitation, at orprior to the inlets 20, within the anode compartment 52, within thecathode compartment 54, in the circulation line 32, in a storage tank40, in the recirculation tank 64, at the outlets 36, and/or in any othersuitable location).

Indeed, in some embodiments, the anode compartment 52 comprises one ormore pH sensors, conductivity sensors, flowrate sensors, and/orelectrochemical sensors that are configured to determine when moreelectrolyte and/or water need to be added to the anode compartment 52.Similarly, in some embodiments, the cathode compartment 54 comprises oneor more pH sensors, conductivity sensors, flowrate sensors, and/orelectrochemical sensors that are configured to help the system determinewhen fluid in the cathode compartment (or the catholyte) has reached adesired pH and/or concentration of NaOH, when electrolyzed alkalinewater should be released from the compartment, when water should addedto the compartment, and how operating conditions of the system can bemodified to provide the desired chemicals. By way of non-limitingillustration, FIGS. 1A-C show some embodiments in which the system 10comprises one or more flow meters 88, electrical conductivity sensors90, fluid level sensors 92, and/or other suitable sensors (e.g., flowsensors, voltage sensors, current sensors, etc.).

In some embodiments, the cell 12 comprises one or more conductivitysensors amperage sensors, concentration sensors, flowrate sensors, pHsensors, and/or other suitable sensors 50. In some such embodiments,when the cell determines that conductivity of the electrolyte solutionis below a desired threshold (e.g., because the solution does not haveenough electrolyte, the amperage is too low, the pH is not in a desiredrange, and/or for any other suitable reason), the cell is configured to:increase the operating amperage of the electrodes (e.g., to increase ionformation); modify the flowrate of electrolyte solution through the cell(e.g., through the anode compartment and/or any other suitable portionof the cell, so as to give the electrolyte more time to react and/orionize); decrease fluid pressure in the cell (e.g., in both the anodeand cathode compartments to maintain substantially equal pressurebetween the compartments) to allow the electrolyte to ionize and/orotherwise react more effectively; have more electrolyte introduced(e.g., into the anode compartment and/or the cathode compartment, asapplicable) through the use of one or more pumps, variable pumps,valves, variable valves, droppers, dosing mechanisms, and/or any othersuitable mechanism (e.g., feed mechanism 34); and/or to otherwise varyoperation of the cell to compensate for (and/or to otherwise attempt tocorrect) the low conductivity measurement. Indeed, in some embodiments,in which the system 10 determines that conductivity of one or moresolutions in the system are below (or otherwise fall outside of a setrange), the system is configured to modify (automatically and/orotherwise) the electrode's operating amperage and/or the amount of oneor more electrolytes that are added to one or more compartments of thecell.

In some cases, when one or more sensors 50 determine that: theconductivity level of the electrolyte solution in the cell 12 (e.g., inthe anode compartment and/or the cathode compartment) is above a desiredlevel; amperage is in the cell is too high; a flowrate is too low; a pHof the anolyte and/or catholyte is outside of a desired range; anelectrolyte concentration in the cell is too high; and/or that someother parameter of the cell's operation is outside of a set range, someembodiments of the cell are configured to: decrease the operatingamperage of the electrodes (e.g., to decrease ion formation); increasethe flowrate of electrolyte solution through the cell (e.g., through theanode compartment and/or any other suitable portion of the cell, so asto give the electrolyte less time to ionize and/or otherwise react);increase fluid pressure in the cell (e.g., in both the anode and cathodecompartments, to keep pressures in the compartments substantiallysimilar) to reduce ionization; stop or have less electrolyte introduced(e.g., into the anode compartment and/or the cathode compartment)through the use of one or more pumps, variable pumps, valves, variablevalves, droppers, dosing mechanisms, and/or any other suitablemechanism; and/or to otherwise vary operation of the cell to compensatefor (and/or to otherwise attempt to correct) the high conductivitymeasurement. In still other embodiments, the cell is configured to:monitor pressure within the anode compartment 52 and/or the cathodecompartment 54 and to raise, lower, and/or to otherwise vary suchpressure (e.g., by modifying variable pump speed, by varying a valveopening, by controlling a dropper, by controlling a feed mechanism 34,any other suitable electrolyte delivery device, and/or in any othersuitable manner) to keep pressure within the cell at desired levels;monitor pH within one or more portions of the cell and to varyelectrolyte levels, amperage, flowrates, introduction of a base and/oracid, and/or to otherwise modify cell operation to maintain a desired pHlevel in one or more portions of the cell; monitor flowrate and toincrease, decrease, and/or otherwise vary flowrate to keep flowrate inthe cell (and/or various portions of the cell) within a desired range;monitor temperature and to heat, cool, introduce cool fluid into,introduce hot fluid into, and/or to otherwise control temperature withinthe cell and/or any portion thereof; monitor ORP of one or moresolutions produced within the cell (e.g., the electrolyzed alkalineand/or electrolyzed oxidizing water) and to change cell operatingamperage, increase, and/or decrease an amount of electrolyte that isadded to the cell, vary a flowrate of the electrolyte solution throughthe cell, and/or to otherwise vary cell operation; and/or to otherwisemonitor one or more characteristics of the cell and/or its contents andto vary cell operation and/or such contents based on the monitoredreadings.

Thus, in some embodiments, the described electrolytic cell 12 comprisesone or more feedback loops (e.g., closed feedback loops) that allow thecontrol system 38 to monitor and control cell operation and production.Additionally, in some cases, the system is configured to providehigh-quality cleaning reagents under a wide variety of circumstances.For instance, some embodiments of the cell are configured to modify celloperating conditions to account for: influent water with differentcharacteristics (e.g., mineral content, temperature, pH, conductivity,and/or any other suitable characteristics); differing humidity levels,air pressures, temperatures, vibration levels, and/or othercharacteristics in places of the cell's operation; and/or any othersuitable characteristic that can affect the cell's function and thequality of the product or products it produces.

Although in some cases, the system 10 and/or cell 12 is configured toprovide information about its operating conditions to one or more users(e.g., via one or more displays; lights; audible sounds; visualcommunications; wired communications; wireless communications to aphone, tablet, computer, and/or any other suitable device; and/or in anyother suitable manner), in some other cases, the system 10 is configuredto automatically and/or dynamically make adjustments to its operationparameters to produce desired products with desired characteristics. Insome cases, the system is also configured to receive input regarding adesired product and to then automatically vary its operating parametersto produce the desired product. For instance, when a user indicates thata user would like an electrolyzed alkaline water and/or an electrolyzedoxidizing water with a desired pH (or a pH in a desired range), the cellis configured to automatically modify its operating parameters (e.g.,amperage, electrolyte dosing, electrolyte solution flowrate, and/or anyother suitable parameter) to produce the desired product.

Thus, in some embodiments, a user can quickly and simply modify theproducts being produced by the cell (e.g., by selecting desiredproducts, selecting desired characteristics, setting a program, and/orin any suitable manner) without the user having to manually open andclose valves in the cell, increase or decrease amperage between theelectrodes 17, add and/or slow the addition of electrolyte into thecell, and/or otherwise manually control the cell.

Indeed, while some embodiments of the system 10 are configured to becontrolled by an operator (e.g., manually and/or via an automatedmethod, as controlled by the operator), in some other embodiments (asmentioned previously), the system comprises one or more control systems38 that are configured to help control the system's operation. In thisregard, the control system can comprise any conventional or novelprocessor and/or control system that is suitable for use with thesystem, and that is configured to allow the system to function asdescribed herein. In this regard, some embodiments of a suitable controlsystem are described below in the section entitled RepresentativeMethods and Operating Environment.

In some embodiments, the control system 38 is configured to operate thesystem 10 in accordance with one or more pre-set settings. In some otherembodiments, the control system is in signal communication with one ormore controls (e.g., keyboards, key pads, switches, user interfaces,touch screens, controllers, joysticks, personal computers, timers,servers, apps, smart phones, handheld computers, computers (onsiteand/or offsite), and/or other suitable controls) that allow the system'soperation to be modified, either manually and/or automatically (e.g.,for different water sources, for different cleaning applications, to usedifferent electrolytes, to modify fluid concentrations, to modify and/orselect products produced by the cell, and/or for any other suitablepurpose).

In some embodiments, the control system 38 is also in signalcommunication with one or more of the sensors 50. Thus, in someembodiments, the control system is able to modify operation of thesystem 10 based on sensor readings. By way of non-limiting example, someembodiments of the control system are configured to cause the system(e.g., via user controls, one or more programs, as directed by theoperator, and/or in any other suitable manner) to: add more electrolyte,water, and/or any other suitable material to the anode compartment 52(and/or elsewhere) as needed to produce desired product; release fluidfrom the anode compartment and/or cathode compartment 54; add fluid(e.g., water, electrolyte, and/or any other suitable material) to thecathode compartment; raise (e.g., via one or more heaters 48) and/orlower a temperature of fluid in the anode compartment, the cathodecompartment, the container 40, the dispensing tool 42, and/or any othersuitable location; add any other material (e.g., base or acid) to theanode or cathode compartment (e.g., to adjust pH levels); mix thecontents of the anode and/or cathode compartments; recirculate fluidsthrough the anode compartment; adjust water softening and/or watertreatment operations of the system; adjust a voltage and/or current(e.g., amperage) of the power supply 51 (e.g., flowing between theelectrodes 17); operate one or more valves 26 and/or pumps 28 of thesystem; vary fluid speed through one or more portions of the cell;switch between electrolytes; turn off and/or otherwise alter operatingparameters of the cell when water and/or electrolyte levels and/orvoltage levels drop too low (and/or otherwise vary from set parameters);and/or for any other suitable purpose. Thus, in some embodiments, thesystem comprises (as mentioned above) a “closed loop” system that isconfigured to automatically adjust for different operating conditions(e.g., for operating with waters with different pH levels and/or mineralcontent), to produce products with different characteristics, and/or fordifferent parameters desired by a particular operator and/or needed fora particular application. In some embodiments, the system is alsoconfigured to monitor fluid levels within the various portions of thecell. Thus, in some embodiments, as off gassing occurs, as fluids leavethe cell, and/or as fluid levels otherwise drop in the anode compartment52 and/or the cathode compartment 54, the cell is configured toautomatically compensate for such fluid loss (e.g., by adding moreelectrolyte, electrolyte solution, recirculated anolyte, and/or anyother suitable material to one or more compartments of the cell).

In some embodiments, the system's 10 ability to monitor and dynamicallyadjust operating parameters is constant during cell operation (e.g.,taking place in near-real time). That said, in some other embodiments,such monitoring and adjusting takes place in any other suitable manner(including, without limitation, intermittently, during a startup processof the system, randomly, repeatedly, at a set time, as determined by aprogram, continuously, continually, and/or in any other suitablemanner). Additionally, in some embodiments, such monitoring andadjusting takes place at the cell and/or in any other suitable location(e.g., over a network, as described below).

Moreover, some embodiments of the described electrolytic cell 12 (e.g.,controller 38) are configured to automatically adjust their operatingparameters to produce one or more products (e.g., electrolyzed alkalinewater, electrolyzed oxidizing water, bleach, and/or any other suitableproduct) to have a wide range of characteristics. Indeed, in some cases,the described cells are configured to be able to automatically andselectively use one stream of feed water to produce electrolyzedalkaline waters (and/or electrolyzed oxidizing waters) having pHs thatvary by more than about 0.25, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or more pH units. Insome cases, the described cells are configured to be able toautomatically and selectively use one stream of feed water to produceamounts of electrolyzed alkaline water (and/or electrolyzed oxidizingwaters) (for instance, by varying electrolyte levels, varying celloperating amperage, varying flowrate within the cell, and/or in anyother suitable manner) that have pHs that vary by more than 3 pH units(e.g., by more than 3.5 pH units). In contrast, some competing devicesmay only be able to take one stream of water and produce final productsthat vary less than 0.5 pH units from each other.

In accordance with some embodiments, by having the system 10automatically vary one or more operating parameters of the cell 12, thecell cannot only produce products with desired characteristics, but thecell can further increase its own lifespan. Indeed, while many cells areknown to provide a substantially constant level of amperage, despiteactual conductivity levels within the electrolytic cells, such cells cangreatly over drive cells as electrolyte levels increase and/or decreasewithin the cell. In contrast, as some embodiments of the described cellsare configured to modify amperage levels and/or electrolyte levels, somesuch embodiments can use 40% to 50% less amperage (or even less) than dosome competing devices. In some cases, when one or more sensors 50,valves 26, pumps 28, and/or other components of the cell 12 fail tofunction properly, the system is configured to diagnose such a problem,to function without such component, to stop functioning (e.g., toprotect the cell, depending on the failure) and/or to otherwise react tosuch failure. Indeed, in some embodiments, even with a sensor is broken,the cell is configured to operate to the best of its ability withoutsuch sensor.

In some embodiments, the system 10 comprises one or more power supplies51 that are configured to run a current (e.g., a DC current) between theanode 14 and the cathode 16 to produce the electrolyzed alkaline water,oxidizing water, and/or any other suitable chemical (e.g., NaOH, H₂,H₂O₂, etc. in the cathode compartment 54; Cl₂, O₂, HOCl, etc. in theanode compartment 52). In this regard, the power supply can comprise anysuitable characteristic that allows the system to function as describedherein. Indeed, although some embodiments of the power supply areconfigured to provide a relatively static voltage and/or current to thecell 12, in some other embodiments, the power supply is configured tovary the voltage and/or current that it provides to the cell (e.g., asdetermined by the control system 38, the operator, and/or otherwise). Inthis regard, while voltage and/or current levels of some embodiments ofthe power supply are manually controlled, in some embodiments, thecontrol system 38 is configured to modify the voltage and/or currentlevels provided by the power supply based on measurements from thesensors 50.

In some embodiments (e.g., as discussed above), the system 10 isconfigured to measure cell 12 conductivity to determine the electricalpower needed by the cell to cause a desired level of ionic breakdown ofthe water (e.g., in the cathode compartment 54) and the electrolyte(e.g., Na₂CO₃ and/or any other suitable electrolyte) in the anodecompartment 52. In some other embodiments, however, based on sensor 50readings, the system (e.g., the control system 38) is configured tocalculate cell conductivity (instead of simply measuring it). Thus, insome such embodiments, the system is configured to function withoutconductivity meters so as to save costs and prevent the maintenanceassociated with such meters.

In some embodiments, the system 10 (e.g., the control system 38) isconfigured (e.g., based on calculated and/or measured cell conductivity,NaOH concentrations in the cathode compartment 54, inlet waterconditions, anolyte conductivity, catholyte conductivity, and/or anyother suitable factor) to continuously adjust power settings of thepower supply 51 to perform ionization at the electrodes (e.g., asdiscussed above), regardless of the flow parameters and/or theconcentration of electrolyte in solution (e.g., in the anode compartment52).

In some embodiments (e.g., as mentioned), the system 10 (e.g., thecontrol system 38) is configured to monitor and control mixtures andamounts of electrolyte (e.g., Na₂CO₃ and/or any other suitableelectrolyte) being sent to the cell 12 (e.g., to the anode compartment52 and/or elsewhere). Additionally, in some embodiments, the systemmanages the valves 26 and pumps 28 to ensure the correct flow of fluidsthrough the cell to maximize electrochemical reactions at the electrodes(e.g., at the anode 14 and/or cathode 16). Moreover, in someembodiments, the system uses calculated and/or measured cellconductivity levels and/or any other suitable information to determinefluid flow levels in the cell and/or to selectively vary (e.g.,increase, decrease, and/or stop) fluid flowrate to balance, adjust,and/or optimize fluid flow and/or pressure in the cell.

Turning now to the containers 40, some embodiments of the describedsystem 10 optionally comprise one or more containers to store fluid fromthe cathode 54 and/or anode 52 compartments. By way of non-limitingillustration, FIG. 1A shows an embodiment in which the system 10comprises a container 40 that is configured to receive electrolyzedalkaline water from the cathode compartment 54.

In some embodiments, the system 10 comprises one or more heaters 48.While such heaters can perform any suitable function, in someembodiments, they are configured to help:

increase the cleaning effectiveness of fluids produced by the system(e.g., the electrolyzed alkaline water), to generate steam, to helpchemical reactions in the system 10 to take place at an optimal rate andtemperature, and/or for any other suitable purpose. In this regard, theheaters can comprise any suitable heat sources (e.g., heat coils,inductive heaters, boilers, flame heaters, radiators, and/or any othersuitable heat sources) and can be disposed in any suitable location,including, without limitation, in the anode compartment 52, the cathodecompartment 54, the container 40, the dispensing tool 42, the fluidinlets 20, the fluid outlets 36, and/or in any other suitable location.By way of non-limiting illustration, FIG. 1A shows a representativeembodiment of heater 48 placement.

In addition to the aforementioned components, the described system 10can be modified in any suitable manner. In one example, instead of beingpermanently installed in place, some embodiments of the describedelectrolytic cell 12 and/or container 40 are configured to be mobile(e.g., being disposed on one or more carts, dollies, hand trucks,trucks, vans, vehicles, backpacks, pallets, trailers, and/or othersuitable items). By way of non-limiting illustration, FIGS. 1L-1O showsome embodiments in which the system 10 is configured to fit within avehicle 99. Specifically, FIGS. 1L-1O show some embodiments in which avehicle 99 comprises the electrolytic cell 12, the power supply 51, acontainer 40 and/or 46, a water softener 24, and/or any other suitableportion of the system 10.

In another example of a suitable modification, FIGS. 1D and 1E showdifferent embodiments in which the cell 12 comprise a recirculation loop31. Additionally, those drawings show that, in some embodiments,although the anode 14 and/or cathode 16 can be disposed in any suitablelocations, in some embodiments, such electrodes are disposed near a wallof the cell 12. Additionally, FIG. 1F shows that, in some embodiments,the anode 14 and/or cathode 16 are configured to extend substantiallyalong a full length of the cell 12 so as to allow fluids in the variouscompartments (e.g., the anolyte and catholyte) to have an increasedopportunity to contact the various electrodes and to react. Moreover,FIG. 1F shows that, in some embodiments, the anode 14 and/or cathode 16are placed directly in the flow path of fluids into the variouscompartments through the inlets. Again, while such placement can performany suitable function, in some cases, such placement allows fluids tohave a higher likelihood of contacting the electrodes and reacting.Additionally, in some cases, by having the electrodes in the fluid flowpaths, the flow of fluid across the electrodes can help to remove gasbubbles (which can cause inefficiencies) from the electrodes.

As another example of a suitable modification, FIGS. 1F, 1G, and 1I showthat, in some embodiments, the cell 12 comprises one or more spacerframes 101. In this regard, the spacer frames can perform any suitablefunction that allows the cell to function as intended. Indeed, in someembodiments, FIG. 1G shows that a spacer frame (e.g., the spacer frame101 in the middle of the cell 12 is configured to help direct influent(e.g., an electrolyte solution) into both the anode compartment 52 andthe cathode compartment 54. Additionally, FIGS. 1F and 1G show that, insome embodiments, one or more spacers 101 are in close proximity to oneor both of the electrodes 17. In particular, FIGS. 1F and 1G show someembodiments in which each electrode is sandwiched between two spacerframes 101.

Where the cell 12 comprises one or more spacer frames 101, the spacerscan be disposed any suitable distance from the electrodes 17. Indeed, insome embodiments, each electrode is sandwiched between two spacerframes, with such frames contacting a side of the correspondingelectrode.

While the spacer frames 101 can have any suitable component and/orcharacteristic, FIG. 1I shows that, in some embodiments, the spacers 101comprise a plate (and/or any other suitable object that is configured tohave a substantial portion of one surface to be held in close proximityto a corresponding surface of a corresponding electrode 17). In thisregard, some embodiments of the spacers comprise one or more holes thatextend through the spacers (e.g., to allow electrons and ions to readilymove through the spacers). In some embodiments, the spacers alsocomprise one or topographical features that are configured to channel,mix, churn, agitate, blend, stir, and/or otherwise direct fluid past acorresponding electrode. By way of non-limiting illustration, FIG. 1Ishows that in some embodiments, the spacers 101 comprise one or morechannels, raised surfaces 103, recesses, protrusions, and/or othersuitable topographical features that are configured to help ensure thatmore of the fluid in the cell is run past and is reacted by at least oneof the electrodes. Indeed, in some embodiments, when a spacer is inclose proximity to a corresponding electrode and fluid flows between thetwo, the topographical features of the spacer force the fluid to mix,thereby ensuring more (if not complete) exposure of the fluid to theelectrode and its electrical fields.

In accordance with some embodiments, one or more surfaces of one or moreof the electrodes 17 is matched in size and/or shape (e.g., precisely orotherwise) with a corresponding spacer 101. In some such embodiments,one or more flow paths, channels, openings, and/or other features ofeach spacer (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 1H and 1I) are aligned with thecorresponding surface of the corresponding electrode to ensuresubstantial (if not complete) contact with the electrolyte solution(i.e., its various ionic materials) and the charged electrode surface(e.g., to optimize ionization). In some such elements, a distancebetween (and/or contact with) the spacers and electrodes is maintainedthroughout cell operation.

As another example of a suitable modification, FIG. 1G shows that, insome embodiments, the cell 12 comprises a single inlet 20 and a singleoutlet 36 (though more could be used). Additionally, that drawing showsthat, in some embodiments, instead of having an ion selective membrane(e.g., membrane 18) be disposed between the anode compartment 52 and thecathode compartment 54, in some embodiments, a spacer 101 is at leastpartially disposed between the two compartments. In this regard, such acell can perform any suitable function including, without limitation,producing bleach (NaClO), HOCl, ClO⁻, and/or any other suitable product.Indeed, in some embodiments, such cell is capable of forming aconcentrated bleach, with bleach molecules found in the product at aconcentration of between 400 and about 8,000 parts per million (ppm). Inthis regard, while some competing devices that are configureddifferently are capable of forming bleach at 20-300 ppm, someembodiments of the described cell are capable of producing bleach at aconcentration greater than 1,000 ppm (e.g., about 7,500 ppm±1,000 ppm).In this regard, it should be noted that the cells 12 of FIGS. 1D-1G and1L can comprise any of the components and/or features of the other cellsdescribed herein (e.g., comprising any suitable valve 26, feeder 34,pump 28, control system 38, and/or other component described herein);being able to monitor operational parameters; being able to modifyamperage, electrolyte concentration, pH, flowrate, and/or any othersuitable operating parameter (or condition) of the cell in near realtime; being able to use any suitable electrolyte and/or combination ofelectrolytes (e.g., NaCl, a non-NaCl electrolyte (such as soda ash),and/or any other suitable electrolyte); being able to recirculateanolyte through the anode compartment 52 (and/or the cell), and/or anyother feature described herein).

As another example of a suitable modification, instead of being used toclean carpets and/or other flooring, some embodiments of the system areconfigured to be used with one or more clothes washing machines, dishwashers, street sweepers, high pressure washers, floor cleaners, parkinglot cleaners, disaster cleanup devices, and/or any other suitabledevices. Indeed, in some embodiments, in place of (or in addition to)adding soap to a clothes washing machine, a dish washer, and/or anyother suitable device, some embodiments of the described system areconfigured to provide such a device with electrolyzed alkaline and/oroxidizing water for use as a cleaning and/or disinfecting agent.

The described system 10 can be used in any suitable manner and for anysuitable purpose. Indeed, in some embodiments, a user (and/or thesystem) adds an electrolyte solution to the anode compartment 52 andwater (and/or any other suitable chemical, including without limitation,and/or any other suitable chemical) to the cathode compartment 54. Insome such embodiments, the user (and/or the system) then runs theelectrolytic cell 12 to generate electrolyzed alkaline water in thecathode compartment. In some cases, as electrolyzed oxidizing water isproduced in the anode compartment 52, such fluid is recirculated throughthe anode compartment, with additional electrolyte and/or water beingadded to the anode compartment as necessary (e.g., by the control system38, the electrolyte feeder 34, an operator, and/or in any other suitablemanner). Thus, while some embodiments of the system produce relativelylarge amounts of electrolyzed alkaline water (e.g., for use as acleaning agent), in some cases, the system produces and/or releasesrelatively little (or no) electrolyzed oxidizing water. In someembodiments, however, the system is easily modified (e.g., byautomatically and/or manually opening and/or closing one or more valves26, actuating one or more pumps 28, and/or otherwise) to allow anoperator (and/or the system) to selectively release (and/or produce alarger quantity of) the electrolyzed oxidizing water (e.g., to be usedto sanitize a surface and/or for any other suitable purpose). In thisregard, it should be noted that where the system automatically monitorsand updates its operating parameters, the system can function far moreefficiently and with much less input from an operator that would berequired in some embodiments in which control of the various operatingparameters of the cell are required to be manually changed.

Additionally, although some embodiments of the system are configured touse a first electrolyte (e.g., Na₂CO₃ and/or any other suitableelectrolyte), in some other embodiments, the system is configured to beswitched to use a second electrolyte (e.g., NaCl and/or any othersuitable electrolyte) at any suitable time (e.g., on demand). In thisregard, while some embodiments of the system are configured to operatewith only the first or the second electrolyte, in some embodiments, thesystem is configured to selectively use two or more electrolytes (orcombinations thereof).

As mentioned, fluids from the system 10 can be used in any suitablemanner. Indeed, in some embodiments, fluids from the cathode compartment54 (e.g., alkaline water) and/or the anode compartment 52 (e.g.,oxidizing water) are discharged into one or more containers 40 (e.g., acontainer on a truck, van, backpack, a base of operations, and/or anyother suitable location), a drain, a dispensing tool 42, and/or anyother suitable location. In some embodiments, however, the electrolyzedalkaline water (and/or, in some embodiments, the electrolyzed oxidizingwater) are passed through one or more dispensing tools 42 (e.g., toclean a surface and/or material), and a vacuum 44 is then used to suckup the used fluid with any debris, with the recovered fluid and debrisbeing sent to a holding tank 46, a drain, and/or any other suitablelocation.

Additionally, (as previously mentioned) while some embodiments of thesystem 10 are configured to recycle electrolyzed oxidizing water (and tothereby release little to no oxidizing water from the system), in someother embodiments, the system can be switched to produce and/or releaseelectrolyzed oxidizing water for any suitable purpose (e.g., sanitizingstains left by pets). In one non-limiting example, FIGS. 1L-1O show someembodiments in which the system 10 is disposed in a vehicle 99. In somesuch embodiments, the system is configured to recirculate anolytethrough the anode compartment 52, without releasing anolyte. As aresult, such a system requires relatively less water, requiresrelatively less electrolyte, produces relatively less waste, andrequires relatively less space than some competing systems. Accordingly,some embodiments of the current system are relatively inexpensive tooperate and transport. Some embodiments of the described system 10 areconfigured to include or provide some beneficial features. Indeed, insome embodiments, electrolyzed oxidizing water is recycled through theanode compartment 52. As a result, some such embodiments may use (and/orwaste) substantially less water than do some conventional electrolyticdevices. For instance, some conventional devices create as muchoxidizing water as alkaline water. Indeed, in some conventional devicesit is not possible (or at least not easy) to produce more alkaline waterthan oxidizing water. In this regard, as the oxidizing water istypically not considered (at least by some) to be as useful or needed(e.g., in cleaning carpets and other flooring or objects) as alkalinewater, the oxidizing water is often times wasted and simply poured downa drain, where it can cause environmental issues. Accordingly, in somecases, almost half of the fluid produced by some conventional devices istypically wasted. In contrast, as some embodiments of the describedsystem produce and release relatively little (or no) oxidizing water(e.g., unless otherwise desired), the described system can beenvironmentally friendly, be relatively inexpensive to operate, berelatively convenient to use, and can produce relatively small amountsof corrosive, smelly, acidic water that is discharged.

As yet another example, some embodiments of the membrane 18 arerelatively non-porous. Indeed, unlike some conventional electrolyticdevices that comprise a relatively porous membrane, which allows mixingof the acidic fluids from the anode compartment 52 with alkaline fluidsof the cathode compartment 54, some embodiments of the described systemcomprise one or more non-porous membranes that allow alkali ions (e.g.,N⁺) and protons (e.g., H⁺) to pass through the membrane while separatingthe electrolyzed oxidizing water in the anode compartment from thealkaline water in the cathode compartment. Accordingly, in someembodiments, the electrolyzed alkaline water produced in the system'scathode compartment is relatively pure, and free from acids, salts,and/or other contaminants that are able to pass through the porousmembrane of some conventional devices.

In still another example, as some embodiments of the described system 10recycle fluid (e.g., electrolyzed oxidizing water and electrolytesolution) through the anode compartment 52, alkali ions (e.g., N⁺)(which in some conventional devices is discarded or are otherwise passedthrough an anode compartment one time) are recirculated and givenadditional opportunities to pass through the membrane 18 into thecathode compartment 54.

In some embodiments, by recirculating fluids through the anodecompartment 52 (and/or the anolyte recirculation tank 64) and thusallowing a greater portion of alkali ions (e.g., N⁺) in the anodecompartment to pass through the membrane 18 and into the cathodecompartment 54 than occurs in some conventional devices, and as someembodiments reduce and/or completely prevent mixing between the acidsolutions of the anode compartment and the basic solutions of thecathode compartment, some embodiments of the described system 10 areconfigured to produce higher and purer concentrations of NaOH in thecathode compartment than do some conventional devices. Indeed, whilesome conventional devices may produce less than about 100 ppm or even 50ppm or less of NaOH (e.g., in the electrolyzed alkaline water), someembodiments of the described system produce electrolyzed alkaline waterhaving an NaOH concentration of between 100 ppm and about 700 ppm (orany subrange thereof). Indeed, some embodiments of the system areconfigured to produce electrolyzed alkaline water having a NaOHconcentration of above about 200 ppm (e.g., above about 250 ppm).

As another example, some embodiments of the system 10 are easilyreconfigured (e.g., by flipping a switch, opening and/or closing one ormore valves 26, by actuating one or more pumps 28, by selecting adifferent operation mode for the system, and/or in any other suitablemanner) to selectively switch from releasing electrolyzed alkaline water(e.g., for delivery through a dispensing tool 42 or otherwise) toreleasing electrolyzed oxidizing water on demand (and/or combinationsthereof) (e.g., for use as a sanitizer and/or for any other suitablepurpose). In some such embodiments, the system is also easilyselectively changed back to releasing alkaline water on demand. Thus, insome embodiments, the system (on demand) can pass more fluids throughthe anode compartment and/or produce more electrolyzed oxidizing waterupon demand. Additionally, in some embodiments, instead of just beingable to switch between releasing a larger amount of alkaline water thanoxidizing water (or vice versa), some embodiments of the system areconfigured to release alkaline water and oxidizing water simultaneously(e.g., via two different dispensing tools 42, to two different tanks,and/or in any other suitable manner).

In even another example, some embodiments of the described system 10 areconfigured to be mostly, if not completely, automated (e.g., asdiscussed above). Accordingly, such embodiments can be relatively easyto use and can automatically adjust for different situations (e.g., feedwater compositions, uses, etc.). Indeed, some such embodiments canautomatically compensate (e.g., adjust operating parameters) for thecharacteristics (e.g., pH and/or any other suitable characteristic) ofwater from a variety of sources. Similarly, some embodiments of thesystem are configured to automatically adjust operating parameters toproduce electrolyzed alkaline water with one or more desiredconcentrations of NaOH.

In still another example, some embodiments of the described system canbe relatively small (e.g., as discussed above). In some otherembodiments, however, the system is easily scaled up in size to producehigher volumes of electrolyzed alkaline water, with higherconcentrations of NaOH.

In still another example, some embodiments of the system 10 comprise astainless steel, open frame design that provides for superiormaintenance access over some conventional devices.

In even another example, as some embodiments of the described system 10place water in the cathode compartment 54 (instead of an electrolytesolution), and as some embodiments of the system comprise a relativelynon-porous membrane 18, some embodiments of the described system produceelectrolyzed alkaline water that is substantially if not completely freefrom NaCl (and/or other electrolytes). This is especially true in someembodiments in which the anolyte comprises a non-sodium chlorideelectrolyte (e.g., soda ash), as discussed hereinafter. In contrast, insome conventional devices, a NaCl solution is added to both the anodeand cathode compartment, with most of the salt passing straight throughthe cell, with only a small fraction of the salt ultimately producingNaOH in the catholyte. Indeed, in some conventional devices, unreactedchlorides account for 1,500 ppm or even 2,000 ppm in the producedoxidizing water and often even higher concentrations in the electrolyzedalkaline water. This excess chloride and NaCl often has no cleaningeffect, but instead tends to leave NaCl in the cleaned materials.

Thus, some embodiments of the present invention relate to systems andmethods for producing electrolyzed alkaline water and/or electrolyzedoxidizing water by electrolyzing a solution comprising one or moreelectrolytes. While the electrolyzed alkaline and/or electrolyzedoxidizing water can be used for any suitable purpose, in someembodiments, they are used to clean and/or disinfect carpets, rugs,tile, stone, linoleum, flooring surfaces, furniture, walls, drywall,plaster, countertops, blinds, appliances, woods, metals, vehicles,upholstery, drapes, fabrics, clothing, cloth, bedding, textiles, and/orany other suitable surface, object, or material. Additionally, in someembodiments, the described system is configured to produce differentratios of electrolyzed alkaline and oxidizing water. Moreover, in someembodiments, the described system is configured to selectively switchbetween using a first electrolyte (e.g., sodium carbonate) and a secondelectrolyte (e.g., sodium chloride), and vice versa, on demand.

Electrolytes

The described system 10 can be used with any suitable electrolyte thatallows the system to produce electrolyzed alkaline water, electrolyzedoxidizing water, and/or any other suitable product. Moreover, in placeof, or in addition to, being used with the described system, theelectrolytes described herein can be used with any other suitableelectrolytic device. In this regard, some embodiments of the describedsystem (and/or any other suitable device) are configured to use sodiumchloride (NaCl) as the electrolyte. In some other embodiments, however,the electrolyte comprises a non-sodium chloride or at least a non-sodiumchloride based electrolyte. In this regard, where the electrolytecomprises a non-sodium chloride electrolyte, the electrolyte cancomprise any suitable alkali salt that is capable of allowing thedescribed systems 10 to produce electrolyzed water and/or any othersuitable chemical, and that do not comprise or that comprise arelatively small amount of sodium chloride (again, if any). Somenon-limiting examples of suitable non-sodium chloride electrolytesinclude, but are not limited to, sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃), soda ash,sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃), potash, potassium carbonate (K₂CO₃),potassium bicarbonate (KHCO₃), sodium chloride, potassium nitrate(KNO₃), potassium chloride (KCl), potassium chlorate (KClO₃), sodiumphosphate, and/or any other suitable electrolyte (e.g., any suitablealkali ion containing electrolyte). In some embodiments, however, theelectrolyte comprises Na₂CO₃ and/or sodium NaHCO₃.

In some cases, the electrolyte (e.g., Na₂CO₃) is added to water (e.g.,in the anode compartment 52, where anolyte is recirculated through thecell 12, and/or to the cathode compartment, where applicable) at anysuitable concentration that allows the resultant electrolyte solution tobe electrolyzed to form electrolyzed oxidizing water and/or electrolyzedalkaline water (and/or any other suitable chemical). In someembodiments, the electrolyte (e.g., Na₂CO₃) is added to water (e.g.,that is in and/or that is to be added to) the anode compartment 52 at aconcentration of between about 0.1% and about 60% by weight (or withinany subrange thereof). Indeed, in some embodiments, the electrolyte(e.g., Na₂CO₃) is added to water at a concentration of between about 10%and about 30% by weight (e.g., at a concentration of about 20%±5%).Additionally (as described above), in some embodiments, as the system 10operates, additional electrolyte is added (e.g., automatically and/ormanually, as discussed above) to the anode compartment and/or thecathode compartment 54 (e.g., via the electrolyte feeder 34, the controlsystem 38, and/or otherwise) to keep the electrolyte at a desiredconcentration (e.g., in the anode compartment). Indeed, in someembodiments, a Na₂CO₃ solution is added to the anode compartment and/oradditional electrolyte is added to the anode compartment as needed(e.g., as controlled by the control system 38 or otherwise), while wateris added to the cathode compartment 54. Again, and as discussed, in someembodiments, the system is configured to vary the amount of electrolytethat is added to the anode compartment to adjust for varying levels ofamperage and/or changes in conductivity of electrolyte within the cell.

Where the electrolyte comprises Na₂CO₃ (sodium carbonate) and/or NaHCO₃(sodium bicarbonate) a variety of chemical reactions may occur as theelectrolytic cell 12 is operated. In some cases, however (as shownbelow), electrolysis of Na₂CO₃ and NaHCO₃ in the cell 12 produces NaOH(e.g., in the electrolyzed alkaline water in the cathode compartment54), carbon dioxide (CO₂) (e.g., in the anode compartment 52), hydrogengas (H₂) (e.g., in the cathode compartment), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)(e.g., in the cathode compartment), oxygen (O₂) (e.g., in the anodecompartment), hypochlorous acid (HOCl) (e.g., in the electrolyzedoxidizing water in the anode compartment), and/or a variety of otherpossible chemicals. Indeed, in some embodiments, electrolysis ofsolutions comprising Na₂CO₃ or NaHCO₃ have results in the following:

Na₂CO₃(aq)+2H₂O (1)→2NaOH(aq)+CO₂(g)+½O₂(g)+H₂(g)

2NaHCO₃(aq)+2H₂O (1)→2NaOH(aq)+2CO₂(g)+O₂(g)+2H₂(g)

Thus, in some embodiments, the electrolysis of Na₂CO₃ (sodiumcarbonate), NaHCO₃ (sodium bicarbonate), and/or another suitableelectrolyte does not produce chlorine gas (Cl₂) (or at least relativelylittle amounts), as is (or can be produced) when NaCl is electrolyzed inthe system 10 and/or in some conventional devices. Accordingly, in someembodiments, the use of such electrolytes is relatively safe (e.g., bynot exposing users to toxic chlorine gas and/or noxious chlorinechemicals) and does not expose surrounding structures (e.g., vehicles)the highly corrosive effects of chlorine gas. Additionally, in someembodiments in which the electrolyte solution is added to the anodecompartment 52 while water is added to the cathode compartment, thedescribed system can produce electrolyzed alkaline water that issubstantially free from salts (e.g., NaCl). Thus, unlike someconventional devices that produce electrolyzed alkaline water with arelatively high salt content (which can leave salt in carpets and othermaterials that are cleaned with the alkaline water), some embodiments ofthe described system are able to produce a relatively pure aqueous NaOHsolution (which leaves no salt or other residue on cleaned objects).Furthermore, as some embodiments of the electrolyzed alkaline water arerelatively (if not completely) salt (e.g., NaCl) free, such liquids canbe substantially less corrosive (e.g., to sewers, containers 40,equipment, etc.) than are some conventional electrolyzed alkaline watersthat comprise NaCl.

Once Na₂CO₃ (sodium carbonate), NaHCO₃ (sodium bicarbonate), and/oranother suitable non-NaCl electrolyte is used to create electrolyzedalkaline water, electrolyzed oxidizing water, and/or any other suitableproduct (e.g., via the system 10 and/or any other suitable device), thevarious chemicals produced by such an electrolysis process can be usedfor any suitable purpose and in any suitable manner, including, withoutlimitation, for cleaning and/or sanitizing. Indeed, in some embodiments,the electrolyzed alkaline water is used to clean flooring (e.g.,carpets, rugs, tile, stone, and other flooring surfaces), furniture,walls, countertops, vehicles, upholstery, and/or any other suitablesurface or material, and the electrolyzed alkaline water (if releasedfrom the system at all) can be used to sanitize objects.

Where Na₂CO₃ (sodium carbonate), NaHCO₃ (sodium bicarbonate), and/oranother suitable non-NaCl electrolyte is used to create electrolyzedalkaline water and/or electrolyzed oxidizing water, the various fluidsproduced can have any suitable characteristic. Indeed, in someembodiments, the pH range, NaOH concentration, oxidation reductionpotential or ORP, and/or other characteristic of the fluids producedwith the described electrolyte(s) can be modified (e.g., automatically,as discussed above; manually, as discussed herein, and/or in any othersuitable manner) to meet any desired and possible range. For instance,more or less water and/or electrolyte can be added to the anode 52and/or cathode 54 compartments, flowrates can be increased and/ordecreased, and/or more or less voltage and/or current can be added tothe cell 12 (e.g., as controlled manually, in order to hit user selectedlevels, as controlled by the control system 38 and/or sensors 50, and/orotherwise).

In any case, the electrolyzed alkaline water produced with Na₂CO₃(sodium carbonate), NaHCO₃ (sodium bicarbonate), and/or another suitablenon-NaCl electrolyte can have any suitable pH, including, withoutlimitation, a pH between about 10.5 and about 14.5 (or any subrangethereof). Indeed, in some embodiments, the alkaline water comprises a pHbetween about 11 and about 12.5 (e.g., between about 11.5 and about12.2). Again, when in accordance with some embodiments, the describedsystem 10 can take a single source of feed water and use that feed water(e.g., by automatically adjusting one or more operating conditions ofthe cell) to produce multiple amounts of alkaline water having differentpHs (as indicated by the user, a program, and/or in any other suitablemanner).

The electrolyzed alkaline water produced with Na₂CO₃ (sodium carbonate),NaHCO₃ (sodium bicarbonate), and/or another suitable non-NaClelectrolyte can have any suitable NaOH concentration, including, withoutlimitation, a NaOH concentration between about 50 and about 700 ppm (orwithin any subrange thereof). Indeed, in some embodiments, electrolyzedalkaline water that is produced through the use of the describedelectrolytes (e.g., non-NaCl electrolytes) has a NaOH concentrationbetween about 75 and about 550 ppm (e.g., between about 115 and 510). Insome cases, however, the NaOH concentration of the alkaline waterproduced by the described system 10 is between about 125 and about 500ppm.

The electrolyzed alkaline water produced with Na₂CO₃ (sodium carbonate),NaHCO₃ (sodium bicarbonate), and/or another suitable non-NaClelectrolyte can have any suitable oxidation reduction potential (orORP), including, without limitation, an ORP between about −200 my andabout −1,100 my (or any subrange thereof). Indeed, in some embodiments,electrolyzed alkaline water that is produced through the use of thedescribed electrolytes (e.g., non-NaCl electrolytes) has an ORP betweenabout −300 my and about −1,000 my (e.g., between about −400 my and −900my).

The electrolyzed alkaline water produced with Na₂CO₃ (sodium carbonate),NaHCO₃ (sodium bicarbonate), and/or another suitable non-NaClelectrolyte can have any suitable chloride or chlorine concentration. Insome non-limiting embodiments, however, such alkaline water has achloride or chlorine concentration of essentially 0.

The electrolyzed oxidizing water produced with Na₂CO₃ (sodiumcarbonate), NaHCO₃ (sodium bicarbonate), and/or another suitablenon-NaCl electrolyte can have any suitable pH, including, withoutlimitation, a pH between about 1 and about 6.5 (or any subrangethereof). Indeed, in some embodiments, the oxidizing water comprises apH between about 2.5 and about 4.5 (e.g., between about 3 and about 4).Again, in some embodiments, the system 10 is configured to automaticallyadjust its operating to produce oxidizing water with different pHs tomeet a user's desires.

The electrolyzed oxidizing water produced with Na₂CO₃ (sodiumcarbonate), NaHCO₃ (sodium bicarbonate), and/or another suitablenon-NaCl electrolyte can have any suitable HOCl concentration,including, without limitation, a HOCl concentration between about 1 andabout 10,000,000 ppm (or any subrange thereof). Indeed, in someembodiments, electrolyzed oxidizing water that is produced through theuse of the described electrolytes (e.g., non-NaCl electrolytes) has aNaOH concentration between about 100 and about 700 ppm (e.g., betweenabout 200 and 500). In some cases, however, the HOCl concentration ofthe oxidizing water is between about 250 and about 450 ppm.

The electrolyzed oxidizing water produced with Na₂CO₃ (sodiumcarbonate), NaHCO₃ (sodium bicarbonate), and/or another suitablenon-NaCl electrolyte can have any suitable oxidation reduction potential(or ORP), including, without limitation, an ORP between about 100 my andabout 2,000 my (or any subrange thereof). Indeed, in some embodiments,electrolyzed oxidizing water that is produced through the use of thedescribed electrolytes (e.g., non-NaCl electrolytes) has an ORP betweenabout 800 my and about 1,600 my (e.g., between about 1,000 my and 1,400my).

Some embodiments of the described system 10 are configured to include orprovide some beneficial features (including, without limitation, one ormore of the beneficial features discussed above with respect to thesystem 10). Indeed, in some embodiments, by using Na₂CO₃ (sodiumcarbonate), NaHCO₃ (sodium bicarbonate), and/or another suitablenon-NaCl electrolyte in an electrolysis process, the electrolyzedalkaline water produced therefrom can be substantially (if notcompletely) free from NaCl, chloride ions, and/or chlorine. Accordingly,such alkaline water can be relatively pure so as not leave NaCl behindin cleaned materials. Additionally, in some cases in which the alkalinewater lacks NaCl, the alkaline water can be relatively non-corrosive,and hence, can be relatively safe for discharge into drains (e.g., afterit has been used to clean an object or material).

Thus, some embodiments of the described systems and methods relate tothe production of electrolyzed alkaline water and/or electrolyzedoxidizing water by electrolyzing a solution comprising sodium carbonate,soda ash, sodium bicarbonate, washing soda, soda crystals, crystalcarbonate, sodium acetate, sodium percarbonate, potassium carbonate,potassium bicarbonate, sodium phosphate, and/or any other suitablenon-NaCl electrolyte.

Wand

In accordance with some embodiments, the described systems and methodsinclude a wand that is configured to spray (and/or otherwise deliver)one or more fluids (e.g., water, electrolyzed alkaline water,electrolyzed oxidizing water, stabilized alkaline water, stabilizedacidic water, reverse osmosis water, deionized water, cleaning agents,detergents, soaps, air, waxes, stain guards, dyes, pre-treatments,post-treatments, pre-sprays, and/or any other suitable fluid) onto anobject and to then have such fluid and/or debris be sucked from suchobject, through the wand, and into a depository (e.g., a tank,container, a drain, and/or any other suitable location).

While the described wand can comprise any suitable component orcharacteristic that allows it to function as intended, FIGS. 2A-2Gillustrate some embodiments in which the wand 100 comprises one or morevacuum tubes 102, wand heads 104, shrouds 106, jets 108, jet manifolds109, vacuum ports 110, breaker bars 112, rollers 114, lips 116, feedlines 118, trigger assemblies 120, filters 122, handles 124, and/orhandle supports 125.

With respect to the vacuum tube 102, the tube can comprise any suitablecharacteristic that allows it to be used to push, pull, and/or otherwisedirect movement of the wand head 104 and to conduct fluids, debris,and/or other material from the wand head to a depository. In someembodiments, the vacuum tube has a relatively large inner diameter,which allows an increased amount of air, oxygen, water, fluid, debris,and/or other materials to pass through the tube. Indeed, in someembodiments, because of its relatively large inner diameter, the tube isable to allow a standard vacuum to pass more air across (and pull morefluid from) the flooring, walls, drapes, (and/or other object) beingcleaned than could the same vacuum with a smaller vacuum tube. As aresult, some embodiments of the described vacuum tube allow the flooring(and/or other material) to dry faster than would smaller vacuum tubes.Moreover, because of its relatively large inner diameter, someembodiments of the described vacuum tube are able to perform a betterjob at removing dirt, hair, flooring fragments, oils, sand,particulates, stains, and/or other debris from flooring and/or othersurfaces that are cleaned with the described vacuum tube. Additionally,in some embodiments, while the inner diameter of the vacuum is relativelarge, the outer diameter of the vacuum tube is still small enough thatit can easily fit in the hand of a user so as to allow the user to holdthe tube without undue hand fatigue.

While the vacuum tube 102 can have any suitable inner diameter (e.g.,between about 5 mm and about 25 cm, or within any subrange thereof), insome embodiments, the described tube comprises an inner diameter betweenabout 3.8 cm and about 7.7 cm, or any subrange thereof. Indeed, in someembodiments, the tube's inner diameter is between about 3.45 cm andabout 6.35 cm, or any subrange thereof (e.g., about 4.45 cm±0.5 cm) .

In some embodiments, the end of the vacuum tube 102 that connects to avacuum hose is configured to couple to the vacuum hose in any suitablemanner, including, without limitation, by flaring, tapering, and/orhaving any suitable coupling mechanism. Indeed, in some embodiments,such end of the vacuum tube flairs so as to have an outer diameter thatis between about 4.5 cm and about 7.6 cm (or within any subrangethereof). For instance, some embodiments of the vacuum tube flair tohave an outer diameter that is between about 4.55 cm and about 5.1 cm.

The wall of the vacuum tube 102 can be any suitable thickness thatallows it to function as described herein. Indeed, in some embodiments,the vacuum tube wall is between about 0.25 mm and about 5 mm (or withinany subrange thereof). Indeed, in some embodiments, the vacuum tube wallis between about 0.5 mm and about 1.3 mm thick (e.g., about 0.89 mm±0.3mm).

When the wand head 104 is disposed on a flooring surface such that thewand head and/or the shroud 106 form a seal (or at least a partial seal)on the flooring surface, the distance between the front end 210 of thewand head 104 and the back end 212 of the vacuum tube 102 (shown as L inFIG. 2J) can be any suitable distance. In some embodiments, suchdistance (L) is between about 50 cm and about 152 cm (or within anysubrange thereof). Indeed, in some embodiments, the distance L isbetween about 91 cm and about 115 cm (e.g., between about 96 cm andabout 107 cm) .

When the wand head 104 is disposed on a flooring surface such that thewand head and/or the shroud 106 form a seal (or at least a partial seal)on the flooring surface, the distance between the bottom end 214 of thewand head 104 and the top end 216 of the vacuum tube 102 (shown as H inFIG. 2J) can be any suitable distance. In some embodiments, suchdistance (H) is between about 60 cm and about 120 cm (or in any subrangethereof). Indeed, in some embodiments, the distance H is between about76 cm and about 105 cm (e.g., between about 83 cm and about 94 cm) .

The vacuum tube 102 can be any suitable shape, and can comprise anysuitable number of tubing sections (e.g., a single monolithic tubesection or 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or more sections that couple together) thatallows the vacuum tube to perform its described functions. In someembodiments, however, the tube comprises two or more sections (e.g.,comprising discrete components and/or a single component having multiplesections) that are at least partially disposed at an angle to eachother. Indeed, in accordance with some embodiments, FIGS. 2B and 2D showthat the vacuum tube 102 comprises a first section 200, a second section202, and/or a third section 204, with a first bend 206 (or elbow)disposed between the first 200 and third 204 sections and a second bend208 (or elbow) disposed between the second 202 and the third 204sections.

Where the vacuum tube 102 comprises a bend (e.g., a first bend 206, asecond bend 208, and/or any other suitable bend) between one or moresections, the various sections of the vacuum tube can have any suitablespecial relation to each other. Indeed, in some embodiments, the bend206 between the first 200 and the third 204 section causes a length ofthe third section 204 (e.g., a longitudinal axis of a portion of thethird section) to run with respect to a length of the first section 200(e.g., a longitudinal axis of a portion of the first section) at anangle θ that is between about 35 degrees and about 70 degrees (or thatfalls in any subrange thereof). Thus, in some embodiments, a length ofthe third section runs at an angle to the first section of between about40 degrees and about 44 degrees (e.g., about 42 degrees±2 degrees).

In some embodiments, the second bend 208 between the second section 200and the third 204 section causes a length of the third section 204(e.g., the longitudinal axis of a portion of the third section) to runwith respect to a length of the second section 204 (e.g., thelongitudinal axis of a portion of the second section) at an angle (3that is between about 35 degrees and about 70 degrees (or that falls inany subrange thereof). Thus, in some embodiments, a length of the thirdsection runs at an angle to the second section of between about 41degrees and about 45 degrees (e.g., about 43 degrees±2 degrees). In somecases, the wand head 104 (or shroud 106) is swept forward with respectto the vacuum tube 102, such that a front face and/or a longitudinalaxis 1001 of the wand head runs at an angle that is not perpendicularwith respect to a longitudinal axis 1000 of the first section 200.Indeed, in some cases, the front face and/or longitudinal axis of theshroud runs at an angle that is between about 89 degrees and about 60degrees (or within any subrange thereof) with respect to thelongitudinal axis of the first section. By way of non-limitingillustration,

FIG. 2J shows an embodiment in which the angle a between the front faceof the wand head 104 and the longitudinal axis 1000 of the first sectionis less 90 degrees (e.g., is about 88 degrees). In this regard, whileFIG. 2J shows an embodiment in which the front face and/or thelongitudinal axis 1001 of the wand head is swept forward, in some otherembodiments, the front face and/or longitudinal axis of the wand head isswept backward so as to run at an non-perpendicular angle with respectto the longitudinal of the first section 200 (so as to have angle thatis less than about 90 (when such angle opens towards the user operatingthe wand).

While the various wand angles can perform any suitable function, in someembodiments, they make it significantly easier to slide the wand head104 across a flooring surface (e.g., without the wand head 104 digging(or “shoveling”) into the flooring surface than is possible with somecompeting devices). As a result, some embodiments of the described wandare configured to be used relatively easily, while causing less userfatigue than do some competing devices.

Indeed, in some embodiments, by placing the wand head 104 at a suitabledistance and/or angle from the user (as described above), the user canmove the wand head relatively more easily than could be done if the wandhead were too close to, not swept from a perpendicular angle withrespect to the first section 200, and/or at too steep of an angle to theuser (e.g., thus causing the wand head to dig into and/or to skip acrossthe flooring). Indeed, in accordance with some embodiments, the lengthof the vacuum tube 102 in combination with the various angles in thetube (as discussed above) have provided surprising and unexpectedresults. Indeed, while some conventional devices that are shorter and/orthat have inappropriate angles cause a user to push the wand into theflooring and can thereby result in rapid user fatigue, some embodimentsof the described wand (with its described angles and length) place thewand head in an optimal working position that allows users of differentheights to easily push and/or glide the wand head across a flooringsurface being cleaned with significantly less user fatigue that iscaused by some competing devices.

In some embodiments, the length of one or more sections (e.g., the first200, second 202, and/or third 204 sections) and/or other portions of thevacuum tube 102 are optionally adjustable to allow the tube to beresized and/or otherwise tailored for individual users and/or uses.Accordingly, in some such embodiments, the distances L and/or H areselectively adjustable. In such embodiments, the length of the vacuumtube and/or any portion or section thereof can be selectively adjustablein any suitable manner, including, without limitation, via a telescopingmechanism that comprises a tube within a tube and that allows one tubeto slide with, and to be selectively locked and released (e.g., via atwist-lock telescoping mechanism, a detent mechanism, a mechanicalengagement, a frictional engagement, one or more fasteners, and/or inany other suitable manner), with a respect to another tube of the vacuumtube.

In some embodiments, the vacuum tube 102 is optionally configured suchthat the angle between one or more sections (e.g., sections 200, 202,204, etc.) is adjustable to allow the tube to be tailored for users ofdifferent size and/or different uses. In such embodiments, the variousangles of the vacuum tube can be adjusted in any suitable manner.Indeed, in one example, an angle between two sections in the tube isadjusted by switching a bend (e.g., 206 and/or 208) in the tube withanother bent section (e.g., an elbow joint or other suitable component)and/or another section having a different desired angle. In thisexample, the various bent and/or other sections can be coupled to thevacuum tube in any suitable manner, including, without limitation, viaone or more detent mechanisms, friction fittings, mechanical connectionmechanisms, fasteners, adhesives, welds, and/or any other suitablemechanisms.

In another example of a method for modifying the shape of the vacuumtube 102, some embodiments of the vacuum tube comprise one or moreflexible components (e.g., a flexible tube with an adjustable rigidscaffolding that is configured to selectively lock in and be releasedfrom a desired orientation, a flexible exhaust-pipe-like tube, and/orany other suitable component) that allows an angle between two or moreportions of the vacuum tube to be selectively adjustable and selectivelymaintained.

With reference now to the wand head 104, the wand head can comprise anysuitable feature that allows it to apply a fluid (e.g., via one or morenozzles, orifices, sprayers, and/or other jets 108) to flooring beingcleaned and to allow such fluid and/or debris to be drawn from theflooring (e.g., via one or more vacuum ports 110 that are configured tofunnel and/or otherwise direct fluid, debris, air, and/or othermaterials to the vacuum tube 102). In this regard, some embodiments ofthe wand head comprise 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more jetsand/or vacuum ports. Indeed, in some embodiments, the head comprises 3-6jets (e.g., coupled to a jet manifold 109 or otherwise connected to oneor more feed lines 118) and one vacuum port.

Where the wand head 104 comprises one or more jets 108 and vacuum ports110, the jets and vacuum ports can be disposed in and/or on the headwith any suitable relation to each other. Indeed, although someembodiments of the head comprise jets in front of the vacuum port (e.g.,distal to the vacuum port or the operator), in some other embodiments,the jets 108 (and/or jet manifold 109) are disposed (as shown in FIG.2E) behind the vacuum port (e.g., proximal to the port or the operator).In some of these latter embodiments, the wand is configured to be a pullwand—allowing fluid that is sprayed from the jets to be rapidly suckedup when the wand is being pulled (e.g., backwards).

In some embodiments, the jets 108 and/or the vacuum port 110 are atleast partially disposed in and/or in fluid communication with a shroud106. In other words, some embodiments of the head 104 comprise a sealedloop (or at least partially sealed loop) system in which fluid sprayedfrom the jets within the shroud is allowed to contact the flooring beingcleaned and to then be sucked up into the vacuum port in a relativelyshort period of time. By way of non-limiting illustration, FIG. 2E showsan embodiment in which the shroud 106 is configured to extend around aportion of the head 104 so as to extend around a spray, mist, curtain,and/or other effluent 107 of the jets 108 and to form a seal (or atleast a partial seal) with a flooring surface (not shown) upon which thehead rests.

In some cases, the vacuum port is referred to herein as a first chamberin the wand head (the first chamber being disposed in proximity to thevacuum tube 102), and the portion the shroud 106 to which the jets 108are coupled is referred to as the second chamber, with the first andsecond chambers being at least partially separated by a breaker bar 112,as referred to below.

Indeed, in some embodiments, to help fluid flow from the jets 108,across the flooring, and into the vacuum port 110, the wand head 104comprises a recess, surface, and/or other form of breaker bar 112 thatis recessed within the shroud 106 (e.g., between a space of the shroud(the second chamber) and the vacuum port the first chamber) such thatone or more surfaces of the shroud extend past (e.g., below) the breakerbar. In some such embodiments, by having the breaker bar be recessedwithin the shroud, the shroud (and/or head) is able to contact and format least a partial seal with the flooring surface while the breaker baris held slightly higher up above the flooring to allow fluid to rapidlypass from the flooring into the vacuum port. Thus, in some embodiments,the recessed breaker bar allows fluid leaving the jets and contactingthe flooring to rapidly change direction (e.g., doing a U-turn) and topass into the vacuum port. As a result of this sealed (or semi-sealed)loop system, some embodiments of the wand are configured to force thefluid across the flooring (e.g., through carpet) and then to suck suchfluid up into the vacuum port without allowing the fluid to flood theflooring and/or to settle into flooring (e.g., the carpet backing and/orpadding). Thus, some embodiments of the described systems are capable ofcleaning flooring with high-pressure fluid and then allowing suchflooring to dry significantly faster than do some other conventionalmethods and devices.

Where the wand head 104 comprises a recessed breaker bar 112, thebreaker bar (or a portion thereof) can terminate and/or be disposed atany suitable distance from (e.g., above) the bottom end 214 of the wandhead 104 and/or the shroud 106 that allows the wand head to function asdescribed herein. Indeed, in some embodiments, the breaker bar isdisposed at a distance (as shown by d in FIG. 2E) between about 2 mm andabout 3 cm (or any subrange thereof) above the head's bottom end.Indeed, in some embodiments, the breaker bar is disposed between about0.5 cm and about 1.5 cm above the head's bottom end.

In some embodiments, to allow the wand head 104 to be adjusted and/oroptimized for various types of flooring (e.g., tile, shag carpet, etc.)with various characteristics, the breaker bar 112 is adjustably attachedto the wand head such that the breaker bar (or a portion thereof) can beselectively raised and lowered in the head (and/or such that a portionof the shroud and/or head can be raised and lowered with respect to thebar). In such embodiments, the breaker bar (and/or shroud and head) canbe adjustable in any suitable manner, including, without limitation, bybeing coupled to one or more threaded fasteners, detent mechanisms,sliding ratchet mechanisms, grooves into which portions of the head (oran attached object) slidably fit, one or more lever mechanisms thatcause the bar (and/or the shroud and/or head) to move when a lever ismoved, and/or any other suitable mechanism that allows at least aportion of the breaker bar (and/or the shroud/head) to be raised and/orlowered in the head. Indeed, in some embodiments, the breaker bar isslidably coupled within the head via one or more threaded fasteners thatcan be loosened to move, and tightened to secure, the bar.

With reference now to the roller 114, some embodiments of the wand 100optionally comprise 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more wheels,bearings, casters, and/or other rollers that are configured to help thewand head 104 be moved across a flooring surface with relatively littleeffort. While the rollers can be disposed in any suitable location onthe wand (e.g., in front, behind, and/or to the side of the vacuum port110), in some embodiments, the roller is disposed behind the vacuumport, the jets 108, and the shroud 106 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 2B. 2F,2G, 3A, 4A, 5, 6, and 10). In some such embodiments, by placing theroller behind the port (e.g., proximal to the operator), the wand can beused to clean right up next to walls and other objects.

Where the wand 100 comprises one or more rollers, the rollers can haveany suitable width. In some embodiments, however, the roller (and/or aplurality of rollers coupled side to side) extends across a substantialwidth of the wand head 104. While such a roller (or rollers) can performany suitable function, in some cases, they act to lay down a portion ofthe flooring (e.g., carpet and/or other material) that is being cleanedsuch that a larger portion of strands of the flooring (e.g., carpet orother material) is exposed to the spray and/or vacuum forces providedthrough the wand head.

In some embodiments, the roller 114 is optionally adjustable such thatit can be moved up or down on the wand head 104. In this manner, thewand 100 can be adjusted to allow operators of various heights to usethe wand in a position that is comfortable to the individual operatorswhile allowing such operators to maintain at least a partial sealbetween the shroud 106 and/or the head and the flooring being cleaned.Indeed, in some embodiments in which the roller's height is fixed, arelatively tall operator may hold the wand at such an angle that theroller does not contact the flooring throughout the operator's fullstroke of the wand—thus making it hard for the operator to force thewand head across the flooring. In contrast, in some embodiments in whichthe roller's height is fixed (e.g., at the same height as it was for therelatively tall operator), an operator that is relatively short may holdthe wand at such an angle that the roller contacts the flooring and actsas a fulcrum that lifts the front of the head off the flooring andprevents the shroud from forming a desirable seal with the flooring.Thus, in some embodiments, the adjustable roller can allow an operatorto tailor the wand to the operator's size and needs, while allowing thewand to clean flooring surfaces.

Where the roller 114 is selectively adjustable, the roller can beadjusted in any suitable manner, including, without limitation, via oneor more detent mechanisms, ratchet mechanisms, level mechanisms, theloosening and tightening of one or more screws, by being able to attachthe roller to the head at more than one position (e.g., in a variety ofconnection points), and/or in any other suitable manner. Indeed, in someembodiments, the roller is coupled to one or more brackets that can becoupled to the rear of the head in multiple positions (e.g., via thetightening and/or loosening of one or more screws, as shown in FIGS. 6and 10 ).

In place of, or in addition to, the roller 114, some embodiments of thewand head 104 comprise one or more angled surfaces, rounded surfaces,glides, skis, and/or any other suitable lips 116 that extend from thehead and/or the shroud 106 that help the head to easily slide acrossflooring surfaces (e.g., without skipping across the flooring surfaceand/or requiring undue amounts of force to move the head). While suchlips can extend from any suitable portion of the wand head and/or theshroud, including, without limitation, from a front side, back side,right side, left side, corner, and/or any other suitable portion of thewand head and/or the shroud, FIGS. 2D-2G show some embodiments in whichthe lip 116 extends from a back side of the shroud 106. Thus, in someembodiments, the wand head is able to slide across flooring relativelyeasily, due to the lip, while still having a front side of the wand head(and/or sides) be able to clean up to one or more walls, pieces offurniture, and/or any other suitable object. Additionally, as mentionedabove, while some embodiments of the wand head comprise a lip but do notinclude any additional wheels or rollers, in some other implementations,the lower back side of the wand head comprise both a lip and one or morerollers.

With respect now to the trigger assembly 120, the trigger assembly cancomprise any suitable mechanism that allows a user to selectively start,stop, increase, decrease, and/or otherwise control the flow of fluidthrough the feed line 118 and jets 108. Indeed, FIGS. 2B, 2D, 4A, and 5show some embodiments in which the trigger mechanism 120 comprises amanually controlled valve that is opened when the trigger lever 123 issqueezed and closed when the trigger lever is released. In some otherembodiments that are not shown, the trigger mechanism comprises one ormore catches, detents, and/or other mechanisms that are configured toselectively catch and/or otherwise retain the trigger lever in a desiredposition so as to provide a desired flow of fluid through the feed line.Indeed, in some embodiments, the trigger mechanism functions much like agas pump trigger that is configured to have a lever (e.g., the triggerlever 123 and/or another lever) be selectively captured in one or morecatches and then to be released from such catches when the trigger leveris squeezed (and/or as otherwise determined, for instance, when thesystem determines that a sufficient or exorbitant amount of fluid hasbeen disposed in the flooring, as discussed below).

In still other embodiments, the trigger mechanism 120 comprises one ormore electronically controlled valves, pneumatically actuated values,solenoids, and/or other valve mechanisms that are that are configured toallow a user to easy control fluid flow through the feed line 118. Thus,in some such embodiments, the described systems and methods reduce userfatigue (e.g., fatigue associated with gripping the trigger lever 123for long periods of time).

In accordance with some embodiments, the wand 100 is configured toprovide fluid through one or more of the jets 108 in a pulsed, pulsated,sonicated, choppy, shockwave, turbulent, vibrated, and/or other pulsatedmanner that does not provide the spray to the surface that is beingcleaned in a steady flow. In this regard, the wand (and/or system 10)can comprise any suitable pump, valve, sonicator, pulsing device,solenoid, actuator, oscillating valve, and/or other device that isconfigured to provide fluid to the surface being cleaned in a pulsatedor sonicated manner. Indeed, in some embodiments, the valve comprises aspring loaded ball valve that is configured to have the ball move backand forth in the valve to oscillate pressure of the liquid passingthrough the valve. In any case, a mechanism for pulsating fluid throughthe wand and/or jets can be powered and/or actuated in any suitablemanner, including, without limitation, hydraulically (e.g., by flow offluid from the cell), electrically (e.g., powered by the mains, abattery, and/or in any other suitable manner), pneumatically, and/or inany other suitable manner.

While any suitable mechanism can be used to pulse fluids through wand100 (e.g., the jets 108), in some embodiments, the trigger assembly 120is used with one or more pulsing valves (e.g., pulse valve, pulse jetvalve, pulse solenoid valve, and/or other valves) and/or othermechanisms that are configured to pulse the spray that is applied toflooring (and/or any other surface being cleaned). In some suchembodiments, such pulsing can allow the wand to apply fluid to theflooring at relatively high, pulsated pressures, and to thereby helpdislodge debris and to otherwise clean such flooring.

With reference now to the filter 122, some embodiments of the describedwand 100 comprise one or more filters that are configured to perform anysuitable purpose, including, without limitation, preventing debris inthe feed line 118 from clogging a jet 108. In such embodiments, the wandcan comprise any suitable number of filters (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, ormore) that are disposed in any suitable location. Indeed, in accordancewith some embodiments, FIG. 2B shows the wand 100 comprises a singlefilter 122 that is disposed adjacent to the wand head 104 (e.g., coupledto the first section 200). In accordance with some other embodiments,however, FIG. 2D shows an embodiment in which the filter 122 is disposedat or between the first bend 206 and the end 212 of the vacuum tube 102.Indeed, while the filter can be disposed in any suitable location (e.g.,between a midpoint of a length of the third section 204 and the tube'send 212), FIG. 2D shows an embodiment in which the filter 122 is coupledto the second section 202 (e.g., at and/or near the second bend 208). Inthis regard, while there may be several reasons to place the filteradjacent to the wand head, in some cases, placing the filter near thesecond section 202 can make the wand head lighter and easier to move andmay result in less fatigue to the user (especially, where the secondand/or third sections of vacuum tube are strapped (e.g., via a shoulderstrap, a belt loop strap, etc.) and/or otherwise connected to the userto reduce user fatigue).

With reference now to the handle 124, the wand 100 can comprise anysuitable gripping surface and/or handle that allow a user to grab andmaneuver the wand as desired. By way of non-limiting illustration, FIG.2B shows an embodiment in which the wand 100 comprises a grippingsurface 222 disposed on the second section 202 and a handle 124 that iscoupled to the third section 204 of the vacuum tube 102.

Where the handle 124 is coupled to the third section 204 of the vacuumtube 102, the handle can be coupled to the tube in any suitable mannerand in any suitable orientation. Indeed, FIG. 2B shows that, in someembodiments, the handle 124 is coupled to the tube 102 via a handlesupport 125 that extends substantially perpendicularly from the tube. Inaccordance with some other embodiments, however, FIG. 2D shows thehandle support 125 extends from the tube 102 at an acute angle, towardsthe back end 212 of the vacuum tube 102. Additionally, FIGS. 2H and 2Ishow that, in some embodiments, the handle support 125 is shaped so thatthe handle 124 is disposed along a length of the tube closer to thetube's back end 212 (not shown in FIGS. 2H and 2I) than is the point atwhich the handle support is coupled to the tube 102. In still otherembodiments (not shown) the handle support is angled towards the frontend of the vacuum tube (e.g., at an acute angle) and/or is shaped suchthat the handle is disposed closer to the wand head 104 (along a lengthof the tube) than is the point at which the handle support couples tothe tube.

In addition to the aforementioned components, the described wand 100 cancomprise any other suitable component or characteristic that allows itto function as described herein. Some examples of such componentsinclude, but are not limited to, one or more jet manifolds 109 that areconfigured to direct fluid from the feed lines to the jets 108; plastic,metal, and/or any other suitable clips 131; ties; belts; straps;fasteners; mechanical engagements; frictional engagements; and/or othermechanisms that are configured to selectively and/or permanently couplethe jet manifold to the wand head 104, caps, manifold covers, fittings,connectors, valve connectors, disconnects (e.g., quick disconnects orotherwise), check valves, filter housings, bushings (e.g., for theroller 114), bearings, jet housings, pressure valves (e.g., to allow airinto the shroud when pressure drops below a set level and/or for anyother suitable purpose), shells, lights, pressure gauges (e.g., todetermine vacuum pressure in the vacuum tube 102 or for any othersuitable purpose), agitators, and/or other suitable components.

As another example of a suitable component, some embodiments of thedescribed wand 100 (and/or a system comprising the wand) include one ormore sensors that determine how much fluid has been applied to (and/orremains at) a flooring surface. Indeed, in some embodiments, the wandcomprises one or more moisture sensors that determine the moisture levelof the flooring over which the wand passes. In some such embodiments,the wand and/or a system comprising the wand is configured to provide anindication of the moisture level of the flooring (e.g., via one or morelights, sounds, displays, and/or other signals) and/or to automaticallyincrease, decrease, start, stop, and/or otherwise control the amount offluid that is sprayed from the wand head based on such moisture level.

In some other embodiments, the wand 100 (and/or a system comprising thewand) is configured to determine how much fluid the wand lets out andhow much fluid the wand sucks up (e.g., to determine how much fluid isleft in the flooring and/or for any other suitable purpose). In suchembodiments, the wand and/or its system can make such determinations inany suitable manner. Indeed, in some embodiments, the wand comprises oneor more sensors that determine how much fluid is dispensed through thehead (e.g., one or more flow meters, fluid level sensors, electric eyes,mass sensors, scales, moisture sensors, fluid sensors, and/or any othersuitable sensors that are capable of determining how much fluid isdispensed from the jets) and one or more sensors that determine how muchfluid has been sucked up through the vacuum tube 102 (e.g., one or moreflow meters, fluid level sensors, electric eyes, mass sensors, scales,moisture sensors, fluid sensors, and/or any other suitable sensors thatare capable of determining how much fluid has been sucked up through thevacuum tube).

As still another example, some embodiments of the wand 100 areconfigured to provide additional strength to the connection between thevacuum tube 102 and the wand head 104. While this can be accomplished inany suitable manner, FIG. 9 shows that, in some embodiments, a collar240 with one or more gussets 242 and/or other supports is welded,adhered, riveted, and/or otherwise coupled between the wand head 104 andthe vacuum tube 102.

As another example, some embodiments of the wand head 104 and/or theshroud comprise a lower section that is adjustably coupled to the wandhead (e.g., via one or more mechanical fasteners, mechanical mechanisms,frictional engagements, detents, clamps, and/or other suitablemechanisms) such that an angle of such lower section can be adjustedwith respect to an upper portion of the head and/or the vacuum tube. Insome such embodiments, the head can be adjusted such that the back end212 of the vacuum tube can be raised or lowered while the head is ableto keep a seal (or at least a partial seal) with the flooring beingcleaned.

As an additional example of another suitable component, some embodimentsof the described wand head 104 and/or the shroud 106 comprise one ormore air inlets that allow air to enter into the head and/or the shroudwhen the head is forming (or substantially forming) a seal with aflooring surface. Accordingly, in some such embodiments, the head isable to form a seal with the flooring while still having enough air flowto suck fluid and/or debris up into the vacuum tube 102. Additionally,in some embodiments, such inlets allow the head to form a relativelytight seal with a surface (e.g., flooring) without placing undue strainon a vacuum's motor. Indeed, while such inlets can perform any suitablefunction, in some embodiments, the inlets are sized, shaped, and placedto allow air to flow into the inlets to improve a spray pattern of thejets 108. Additionally, in some cases, the air inlets allow air to flowthrough the air inlets, across a surface being cleaned, then up into thevacuum tube 102 while the shroud head 104 is forming a seal with asurface that is being cleaned. As a result, in some such embodiments,the inlets allow the wand to provide high level of suction when thebottom surface of the shroud is in contact with a surface that is beingcleaned. In any case, while such vents can be disposed in any suitablelocation, FIGS. 7-8 show that, in some embodiments, the shroud 106defines one or more apertures 226 and/or openings 228 around the jets108 (e.g., at a top side, back side, right side, left side, upperportion, lower portion, and/or at any other suitable portion of theshroud) that are configured to allow a desired amount of air to flowinto the shroud 106 while allowing the shroud to form a seal (or partialseal) with a flooring surface (not shown). Indeed, as shown in FIGS. 7-8, in some embodiments, the air inlets or apertures 226 are disposedbetween the jets 108 at an upper back side of the shroud.

As an additional example of a suitable characteristic, in addition to,or in place of, the lip 116, any other suitable portion of the wand head104 and/or the shroud 106 (e.g., a portion that is configured to contacta flooring surface when the head is in use and/or any other suitableportion of the wand head, such as the breaker bar 112) may be rounded.While such rounding can perform any suitable function, in someembodiments, such rounding helps reduce friction between the wand headand a flooring surface.

In addition to the aforementioned characteristics, the described wand100 can have any other suitable characteristic that allows it to operateas intended. Indeed, in some embodiments, the vacuum tube 102 is (asdescribed here) ergonomically shaped to be more comfortable and easy touse than some conventional cleaning attachments.

Additionally, in some embodiments, the described head is configured todeliver a high-pressure controlled spray that loosens dirt and allowsthe dirt to be removed through a relatively powerful extraction wand.Moreover, in some embodiments, the described wand is configured toprevent flooring surfaces from being flooded with excess fluid. As aresult, some embodiments of the described wand are configured to leaveflooring surfaces cleaner (e.g., by removing more water, soap,detergent, debris, etc.) than some conventional cleaning devices.Furthermore, as some embodiments of the described wand leave less fluidin flooring than do some conventional devices; such embodiments are ableto allow flooring to dry faster than do some conventional devices.

Additionally, in some embodiments, the wand 100 (and/or any othersuitable portion of the system 10) comprises or is otherwise associatedwith one or more sonic valves. While such valves can function in anysuitable manner, in some embodiments, they are configured to stop andallow fluid flow in such a manner so as to cause mechanical abrasion asfluid is sprayed through the wand (e.g., the jets) to further loosendirt and debris in the surface being cleaned.

As another example of a suitable modification, in some embodiments, thewand comprise one or more brushes, agitators, carpet beaters, and/orother objects that are configured to manipulate the flooring surface andto help remove debris therefrom. Indeed, in some embodiments, the rollercomprises one or more processes, members, brushes, and/or other objectsthat extend from the roller and the roller is powered (e.g., via avacuum powered mechanism, motor, and/or any other suitable mechanism) torotate.

As another example of a suitable modification, some embodiments of thewand 100 comprise one or more vibrating mechanisms that are configuredto vibrate the wand head 104 (e.g., to help agitate the surface beingcleaned). In this regard, such a vibrating mechanism can include anysuitable vibrating mechanism, including, without limitation, one or moreoffset spinning weights, weights that translate back in forth in anysuitable direction, and/or any other suitable vibrating mechanism. Inthis regard, the vibrating mechanism can cause the wand head to vibratein any suitable manner, including, without limitation, in a plane thatruns substantially parallel to the surface that is being cleaned.

Thus, as discussed herein, the embodiments of the present inventionrelate to systems and methods for cleaning objects. In particular, thepresent invention relates to systems and methods for providing a wandthat is configured to clean flooring, such as carpets, rugs, tiles,stone, wood, and/or any other flooring surface.

Magnets

In accordance with some embodiments, the described systems and methods(e.g., the described system 10, the wand 100, and/or any other componentdescribed herein, and/or any other conventional or novel systems andmethods) comprise one or more magnets that are configured to improve theeffectiveness of the cell 12, electrolyzed alkaline water and/orelectrolyzed oxidizing water (e.g., by affecting minerals and/or theircharge to help prevent the minerals in the water from plating out and/orprecipitating and leaving residue on the electrolytic cell's electrodes17 and/or ion permeable membrane 18, which can damage the electrodes andmembrane and/or reduce their effectiveness; by affecting minerals and/ortheir charge to help prevent the minerals leaving residue on the surfacebeing cleaned; by improving the ability of water to penetrate cleaningsurfaces and/or to dissolve dirt and/or other debris; and/or otherwiseimproving the effectiveness of the system).

In this regard, the system 10 (and/or any other suitable system ordevice) can comprise any suitable type of magnet that allowselectrolyzed alkaline and/or electrolyzed oxidizing water to pass by, topass through, and/or to otherwise be in proximity to one or moremagnets. In this regard, some examples of suitable magnets include, butare not limited to, one or more neodymium magnets; neodymium iron boronmagnets; aluminum nickel cobalt alloy magnets; samarium cobalt magnets;electromagnets; ceramic magnets; ferrite magnets; barium ferritemagnets; sintered composite magnets comprising powdered iron oxide andbarium or strontium carbonate; magnetite magnets; lodestone magnets;magnets comprising gadolinium and/or dysprosium; iron alloy magnets;steel magnets; rare earth metal magnets; sintered magnets, cast magnets;plastic bonded magnets; isotropic magnets; anisotropic magnets;electronic de-scalers; magnets having a variable magnetic pole; and/orany other suitable type of materials or devices that have (or that areconfigured to have) magnetic properties. Indeed, in some cases, thedescribed systems and methods comprise one or more rare-earth magnets.

Where the described system 10 (or any other electrolytic and/or cleaningsystem) comprises one or more magnets, the magnets can be used in anysuitable location that allows them to improve: cell 12 operation and/orthe shelf life, the cleaning properties, the emulsifying properties, thereactivity, the binding properties of, the effectiveness, and/or thatare otherwise configured to condition the electrolyzed alkaline waterand/or electrolyzed oxidizing water produced by the system (and/or anyother suitable electrolytic system or device).

In some embodiments, the described system 10 (and/or any other suitablesystem that uses electrolyzed water) comprises one or more magnets thatare coupled to or that are otherwise associated with one or more: fluidinlets 20 into an electrolytic cell (e.g., the described cell 12 and/orany other suitable cell), compartments of the electrolytic cell (e.g.,the anode compartment 52, the cathode compartment 54, the anolyterecirculation tank 64), fluid outlets 36 from the electrolytic cell,hoses 230 to the wand 100 (and/or a sprayer or other cleaning tool)and/or storage tank 40, the filter 122, feedlines 118, wands 100 (and/orany other suitable wand, sprayer, and/or other dispersal device), wandheads 104, storage containers 40, valves 26, pumps 28, filters 122,shrouds 106, jets 108, jet manifolds 109, vacuum ports 110, breaker bars112, rollers 114, lips 116, and/or any other suitable component of thedescribed system. Indeed, in some embodiments, the described systemscomprise one or more magnets disposed in the roller 114. In some otherembodiments, one or more magnets are disposed at and/or prior to thecell's fluid inlet (or inlets). In some additional cases, the describedsystem 10 includes multiple magnets that are disposed at differentplaces along (and/or prior to) the inlet line.

In one non-limiting illustration, FIG. 1A shows some embodiments inwhich the system 10 comprises magnets 232 on the hosing 230 from thestorage tank 40 to the wand 100. Thus, some embodiments include a floorcleaning device (e.g., a wand connected to a vacuum 44) that runselectrolyzed alkaline water (and/or electrolyzed oxidizing water) pastone or more magnets before the electrolyzed water is applied toflooring, cloth, and/or any other suitable material or object (e.g., forcleaning and/or sanitation purposes).

Where the system 10 (and/or any other cleaning system that useselectrolyzed alkaline and/or oxidizing water) comprises one or moremagnets 232 that are configured to condition the electrolyzed alkaline(and/or oxidizing) water, the magnets can be coupled to the system (orany portion thereof) in any suitable manner. In some embodiments, themagnets are: clamped, glued, adhered, integrally formed with orotherwise connected to, set in pockets of, belted to, tied to,impregnated into, extends around, disposed near, and/or are otherwisecoupled to the system.

By way of non-limiting example, FIG. 11A shows an embodiment in whichtwo magnets 232 are placed on an outer surface of a tube 234 (e.g., atube that provides fluid from the container 40 to the cleaning wand100). FIG. 11B shows an embodiment in which a magnet 232 is wrappedaround and/or impregnated into tubing 234 (e.g., a feedline 118, a fluidoutlet 36 of the cell 12, and/or at any other suitable portion of thesystem 10). FIG. 11C illustrates an embodiment in which the magnet 232runs along at least a length of tube 234 in the system 10. FIG. 11Dshows an embodiment in which the magnet 232 is impregnated in a tube 234of the system 10. Additionally, FIG. 11E shows an embodiment in whichone or more magnets 232 are disposed at various places along a length ofthe tube 234.

Where one or more magnets 232 are used to condition the alkaline and/oroxidizing water, the magnets can have any suitable characteristic thatallows them to improve the cleaning power, the shelf life, and/or tootherwise condition the alkaline and/or oxidizing water. Indeed, in somecases, the magnets have a strength between about 0.1 and about 10,000gaussmeters (or any subrange thereof). Indeed, in some embodiments, themagnets each have a strength of between about 1 and about 300gaussmeters.

The magnets 232 can also be any suitable size (e.g., length, width,thickness, and/or diameter), including, without limitation, having oneor more such measurements that are between about 0.001 cm and about 1 m(or any subrange thereof). Indeed, in some implementations, the magnetsare between about 4 cm and about 40 cm (or any subrange thereof) indiameter and between about 2 mm and about 10 cm thick.

Thus some embodiments of the present invention relate to improving theproperties of electrolyzed alkaline and/or oxidizing water by runningsuch water past one or more magnets.

Electrolyzed Water Conditioning

In accordance with some embodiments, the described systems and methods(and/or any other suitable system and/or methods) are configured toallow one or more fluids (e.g., electrolyzed alkaline water and/orelectrolyzed oxidizing water) to flow past each other (and/orthemselves) to improve the shelf life, cleaning effectiveness, bindingstrength, chemical reactivity, the emulsifying characteristics, and/orany other suitable characteristic of the electrolyzed alkaline waterand/or electrolyzed oxidizing water. Indeed, in some embodiments, thedescribed systems and methods are configured to modify the surfacetension of the electrolyzed water that is produced to help such waterbetter break down, emulsify, capture, dissolve, and/or otherwise treatoil, dirt, and/or other debris in flooring (and/or any other suitablematerial).

In accordance with some embodiments, it is desirable to condition fluidby changing the flow (e.g., prior to the cell 12, within therecirculation line 31, from the cell, from the container 40, and/or anyother suitable portion of the system) of the fluid (e.g., electrolyzedalkaline and/or oxidizing water) from a laminar and/or turbulent flowinto a vortex flow. In this regard, this vortex flow can be obtained inany suitable manner, including, without limitation, with or withoutusing one or more obstacles, baffles, and/or other physical impedimentsto flow. Indeed, in some embodiments, such a vortex flow is achievedwithout one or more obstacles, baffles, or physical impediments. As aresult, in some such embodiments, as fluids obtain a vortex flow, theresultant flow has a relatively low amount of friction and a relativelyhigh mixing capability. In some cases, such a flow can also help watermolecules form hexamer nano-structured water (or nano clusters, e.g., asshown in FIG. 12S). As a result, in some cases, such fluids with thevortex flow can impart disjoining pressure capability to ordinary wateror brine without the addition of particles, micelles, surfactants,and/or other stimulation additives.

Where one or more fluids (e.g., electrolyzed waters) flow past eachother and/or themselves (e.g., in the described system 10, in aconventional or novel electrolytic system, in a floor cleaning system,and/or in any other suitable location), the fluids can flow past eachother (and/or themselves) in any suitable manner, including, withoutlimitation, by flowing through tubing and/or any other suitable conduitand/or conduits that: are twisted, are wrapped in a helix, are wrappedin a double helix, are wrapped in a triple helix, are coiled uponthemselves, are twisted up, include multiple channels, includes where aportion of a fluid is separated from another portion of the fluid by asingle wall or membrane of the conduit, comprises internal features thatcause the fluids to swirl and/or mix, comprises one or more inserts,and/or by otherwise running one portion of a conduit in proximity toanother portion of the conduit (and/or another conduit) that comprises afluid (e.g., either the same fluid or a different fluid). Similarly,where fluids are forced through tubing to gain a vortex flow, such aflow can be achieved in any suitable manner, including, withoutlimitation, via any of the methods discussed in this paragraph (even ifsuch twisting, coiling, etc. does not cause two or more tubes orportions of the tubes to be in proximity to each other).

In some embodiments, the electrolyzed water (e.g., alkaline water and/oroxidizing water) is conditioned by running the water through a singleconduit that is coiled on itself, twisted up, cork screwed, shaped as ahelix, and/or that otherwise allow the electrolyzed water to flow pastitself (and/or to gain vortex flow). By way of non-limitingillustration, FIG. 12A shows a cross-sectional view of a single tube 234having a first portion 236 that runs along a second portion 238 (e.g.,by being coiled, twisted, and/or otherwise being shaped in such amanner).

In some embodiments, the electrolyzed water (e.g., electrolyzed alkalinewater and/or oxidizing water) is configured to be conditioned (e.g., togain vortex flow) by running the water through a length of two or moreconduits that are in close proximity to each other. By way ofnon-limiting illustration, FIGS. 12B-12D show some embodiments in whicha first tube 240 carrying fluid (e.g., alkaline water) runs in proximityto a second tube 242 carrying fluid (e.g., the same fluid as is found inthe first tube or, in accordance with some other embodiments, adifferent fluid).

In some embodiments, the described systems and methods includeconditioning electrolyzed water (e.g., electrolyzed alkaline water,electrolyzed oxidizing water, and/or mixtures thereof) by splitting(e.g., as shown in FIG. 12N) the electrolyzed water solution into two(or any other suitable number of) streams; running a first stream of theelectrolyzed water solution through a first conduit; running a secondstream of the electrolyzed water solution through a second conduit(wherein a length of the first conduit and a length of the secondconduit run in close proximity to each other); optionally mixing thefirst and second streams of the electrolyzed water together to form amixture; then applying the mixture (or the various streams separately)to a material that is to be cleaned; and/or vacuuming up the mixture anddebris from the material that is being cleaned. In some suchimplementations, the first and second conduits are twisted together.Additionally, although in some embodiments, the streams are separatedand/or combined only once (e.g., as shown with the splitter 237 andcombiner 235 in FIG. 12N), in some other embodiments, the streams areseparated and/or combined multiple times (e.g., with any suitable numberof splitters and/or combiners).

Where electrolyzed water (e.g., alkaline and/or oxidizing water) isconditioned by running the water through two or more conduits (e.g.,tubes 240 and 242), the two or more conduits can be coupled together (orotherwise be held in proximity to each other) in any suitable mannerthat allows fluid in a first conduit to have an effect on fluid in oneor more other conduits (e.g., to have a charge from fluid in one conduitinteract with a charge from fluid in one or more other conduits). By wayof non-limiting example, the two or more conduits can be coupledtogether via one or more bands 243 (see e.g., FIG. 12D), straps, ties,cords, ropes, laces, eternal wraps, cases, etc.; by being integrallyformed together; by being welded together; by being twisted together; bybeing coiled together; and/or in any other suitable manner.

While FIG. 12A shows some embodiments in which fluids (not shown)running past each other are separated by two walls of tubing (e.g.,walls 245 and 247), in some embodiments, fluids running past each otherare separated by a single wall or membrane. As a result, in some suchembodiments, charges of the fluids that are running past each other canbe easily react and/or affect each other. By way of non-limitingillustration, FIGS. 12E-12H illustrate some embodiments in which a firstconduit 244 and a second conduit 246 in a single tube 234 are separatedby a single wall or membrane 249.

Where fluid flowing through a first conduit 244 (or portion of aconduit) flows past fluid in a second conduit 246 (and/or a secondportion of the conduit (and/or any other suitable number of conduits))with one or more walls or membranes 249 separating the two flows, thewalls or membranes can be any suitable thickness that allow charges fromchemicals in a first flow to have any effect on charges from chemicalsin the second flow, and vice versa. Indeed, in some embodiments, adistance separating the two flows along a length of the conduits (e.g.,the total thickness of the wall, walls, membrane, or membranesseparating fluids) is between about 3 μm and about 1 cm (or any subrangethereof). In some cases, however, the distance separating the two flowsis between about 12 μm and about 0.33 cm (or simply less than about 0.33mm).

Where two or more streams of fluid are conditioned by running past eachother (e.g., in opposite directions, and/or the same direction, as shownin FIG. 12N), the various streams and/or conduits can be separated fromeach other by any suitable material. In this regard, some examples ofsuch materials include, one or more types of bi-axially-orientedpolyethylene terephthalate, cellophane, polyester, plastic,polyethylene, polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, polymer, wax paper,rubber, latex, natural material, synthetic material, glass, crystal,metal, and/or any other suitable material that allows the streams to bephysically separated while allowing one stream to at least partiallycondition the other and vice versa. Indeed, in some embodiments, to ormore streams or conduits are separated from each other by a polymermembrane.

Although in some embodiments, two tubes 234 (or portions of tubes)having fluids that flow past each other (or themselves) have relativelylittle contact with each other (see e.g., FIGS. 12A and 12E), in someother embodiments, however, it can be beneficial to have as much surfacearea contact (or to have a relatively large amount of surface area inproximity to each other) between the two or more tubes (or the two ormore portions of the tube). By way of example, FIGS. 12F and 12G showthat in some embodiments, a tube 234 is internally split (or two or moretubes are coupled together) to have as much surface area contact betweenthe two or more conduits 244 and 246 as possible. Thus, instead ofhaving two round tubes 234 (or portions of a tube) touch each other atrounded edges, FIGS. 12F and 12G show that, in some embodiments, two ormore conduits 244 and 246 contact each other (or are separated from eachother) by a relatively flat membrane 249.

Where one or more fluids flow past each other (or themselves) the fluidscan flow in any suitable direction with respect to each other. Indeed,in some embodiments, fluids flow past each other (and/or themselves) inthe same direction (see e.g., FIG. 12N). In some other embodiments,fluids are configured to flow past each other (and/or themselves) indifferent directions (see e.g., FIG. 12H). In still some otherembodiments, fluids are configured to flow past each other and/orthemselves in the same direction at one or more lengths and to then flowpast each other and/or themselves in different directions at one or morelengths.

In accordance with some embodiments, two or more different fluids flowpast each other to condition one or more of the fluids. Indeed, in someembodiments, an amount of electrolyzed alkaline water, electrolyzedoxidizing water, stabilized alkaline water, stabilized oxidizing water,or any other suitable fluid flow past each other. In some embodiments,alkaline water flows past oxidizing water (e.g., in the same and/or indifferent directions). In some other embodiments, one type of fluidflows past the same type of fluid (e.g., alkaline water flows pastalkaline water and/or oxidizing water flows past oxidizing water). Byway of non-limiting illustration, FIG. 12N shows an embodiment in whicha single tube 234 is split into two tubes 236 and 238 that are twistedtogether and through which a single fluid (e.g., electrolyzed alkalinewater from the system 10 and/or any other suitable electrolytic setup)flows.

In addition to and/or in place of having one or more fluids flow pasteach other and/or themselves (and/or to obtain vortex flow), someembodiments of the described systems and methods are configured to havefluids twist, mix, vortex, pass through one or more venturis, passthrough one or more screens, pass through one or more orifices, and/orotherwise obtain a desired flow as they pass through tubing 234 and/orother conduits (e.g., the inlet line 118, the outlets 36, etc.). By wayof non-limiting illustration, FIG. 121 shows an embodiment in which asection of tubing has internal surfaces and/or features that areconfigured to cause fluids flowing through it to swirl, vortex, and/orotherwise obtain a desired flow. Similarly, FIGS. 12J-12K show that, insome embodiments, an insert 251 that is configured to cause fluids toswirl, vortex, twist, and/or otherwise obtain a desired flow is insertedinto one or more tubes 234 to help condition fluid that flows throughthe tubes. In this regard, such an insert can be used where a tube isnot in proximity to another tube (and/or portion of the tube) or whenthe tube is in proximity to another tube (and/or another portion of thetube). In any case, FIGS. 12L and 12N illustrate some possible fluidflow patterns to help condition such fluids in accordance with someembodiments.

Where two or more conduits are twisted together (e.g., as shown in FIG.12N), the conduits can be twisted, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, ormore times (i.e., many more times). Indeed, in some embodiments, it isbeneficial to twist the conduits together multiple times. By way ofnon-limiting illustration, FIG. 12N shows that in some embodiments, thetwo conduits 236 and 238 are twisted around each other at least twotimes.

Where two or more conduits are twisted together, the conduits can betwisted together over any suitable length of the conduits, including,without limitation, between about 0.1 m and about 100 meters (or withinany subrange thereof). Indeed, in some embodiments, two or more conduitsare twisted together (e.g., as shown in FIG. 12N) over a length that isgreater than 1 m (e.g., between about 1 m and about 10 m).

In some cases, fluid conditioning includes passing fluid through coiled,helix shaped, overlapping, twisted conduits, and/or other suitabletubing one time. In some other embodiments, however, fluids are recycledthrough such tubing (or conduits) 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or more timesbefore they are used.

Where the described systems and methods (and/or any other suitablesystem and/or methods) are configured to allow one or more fluids (e.g.,electrolyzed alkaline water and/or electrolyzed oxidizing water) to flowpast each other (and/or themselves) (and/or to obtain vortex flow), theoverlapping tubing (and/or twisted or otherwise specially shaped tubing)can be disposed in any suitable location. Indeed, in some cases, theoverlapping tubing (e.g., the double helix tubing, the coiled tubinghaving a single membrane separating portions of the tubing to allowfluids to flow past themselves, etc.) and/or the twisted tubing isdisposed prior to and/or in association with one or more: fluid inletsinto an electrolytic cell (e.g., the described cell 12 and/or any othersuitable cell), compartments of the electrolytic cell (e.g., the anodecompartment 52, the cathode compartment 54, the anolyte recirculationtank 64, and/or any other suitable portion of the cell), fluid outlets36 from the electrolytic cell, hoses 230 to the wand 100 (and/or asprayer or other cleaning tool) and/or the storage tank 40, the wand(and/or any other suitable wand), the wand head 104, the storage tank40, and/or any other suitable component of the described system. Indeed,in some embodiments, the overlapping tubing (and/or tubing thatcomprises one or more internal features and/or inserts) is disposedbetween the wand head and the storage tank and/or electrolytic cell.

The following examples are given to illustrate some embodiments withinthe scope of the present disclosure. These are given by way of exampleonly, and it is understood that the following examples are notcomprehensive or exhaustive of the many types of embodiments of thepresent invention in accordance with the present invention.

EXAMPLES

In one example of conditioning fluid, two samples of electrolyzedalkaline water were prepared (e.g., using the system 10). While thealkaline water in the petri dish 246 of FIG. 12O was otherwiseuntreated, the alkaline water in the petri dish 246 of FIG. 12P wasconditioned by being run through the hoses 236 and 238 of FIG. 12N onetime. The two different fluids were then placed in the petri dishesalong with three hydrocarbon stained substrates 248. After twenty hoursof sitting in their respective solutions, the hydrocarbon stainedsubstrates 248 had varying appearances. In particular, hydrocarbons inthe substrates 248 of FIG. 12P had congregated into more concentratedlocations (e.g., resembling micelles). As a result, it is apparent thatalkaline water treated in the double helix system of FIG. 12N can bebetter at capturing oils (e.g., for pulling then from carpets and/orother materials). Moreover, additional test results of conditionedalkaline water are set forth in FIGS. 12Q-12R.

Thus, some embodiments of the described systems and methods relate toconditioning of electrolyzed alkaline and/or oxidizing water. Inparticular, some of the described systems and methods are configured togive fluids a vortex flow (e.g., to create nano-clusters) and/or to havefluids flow past in proximity to other fluids and/or themselves.

Cleaning Agent

In accordance with some embodiments, the described systems and methodsrelate to one or more cleaning agents that are configured to helpimprove cleaning processes (e.g., for cleaning flooring, and/or anyother suitable object, material, and/or surface). While the cleaningagent can comprise any suitable ingredient, in some cases, it includessodium carbonate, sodium percarbonate, orange oil, orange peel terpene,water, alkaline water, oxidizing water, citrus terpene, one or more soyproteins, EXCEL™ soy products, limonene, D-limonene, one or moreessential oils, and/or one or more: natural oil extracts (including,without limitation, lemon oil, tea tree oil, rosemary oil, lavender oil,eucalyptus oil, peppermint oil, cinnamon leaf oil, pine oil, thyme oil,and/or any other suitable natural oil extract), any suitable petroleumadditives, any suitable bio organic materials, enzymes (including,without limitation, one or more cellulases, pepsins, proteases,amylases, lipase, mannanases, pectinases, and/or any other suitableenzyme), any suitable synthetic cleaning materials, vinegar, peroxide,trichloroethane, trichloroethylene, mineral spirits, Stoddard solvent,petroleum naptha, benzene, xylene, dish soap, soap, detergent,dipolylene glycol n-butyl ether, lauramine oxide, sodium lauryl sulfate,sodium laurethsulfate, c12-14-16 dimethyl amine oxide, alcohol,fragrance, and/or any other suitable ingredient. Indeed, in someembodiments, the cleaning agent comprises water, sodium carbonate,sodium percarbonate, and/or a citrus terpene.

The various ingredients in the cleaning agent can be present in thecleaning agent at any suitable concentration that allows the cleaningagent to be used to clean, pre-treat, and/or otherwise help removestains, residue, and/or debris from any suitable surface or object.Indeed, in some cases, the various active ingredients in the cleaningagent (e.g., sodium carbonate, sodium percarbonate, orange peel terpene,etc.) are each present in the cleaning agent at concentration betweenabout 0.1 and about 99% by molecular weight. In some embodiments, eachactive ingredients in the cleaning agent is present at between about0.1% and about 60% by molecular weight (or within any subrange thereof).Indeed, in some implementations, an active ingredient is included in thecleaning agent at a concentration of between about 5% and about 30% byweight (e.g., at a concentration of about 20%±5%).

The cleaning agent can be used in any suitable manner, including,without limitation, by being sprayed on a surface (e.g., as a pre-sprayfor application of the electrolyzed water, being sprayed with theelectrolyzed water, being applied to a surface after application of theelectrolyzed water, and/or at any other suitable time), misted on asurface, wiped on a surface, painted on a surface, dusted on a surface(where the ingredients are dried), and/or otherwise applied to a surfaceor material. Indeed, in some embodiments, the described cleaning agentis applied to a surface (e.g., flooring and/or any other suitablematerial) as a pre-spray (e.g., via a motorized sprayer, a hand pumpsprayer, hose sprayer, tank sprayer, trombone sprayer, aerosol, squeezesprayer, knap sap sprayer, duster, hydraulic sprayer, manual pneumaticsprayer, motorized pneumatic sprayer, pedal pump sprayer, tractionpneumatic sprayer, fogger, mister, broadcast spreader, and/or any othersuitable mechanism for applying the cleaning agent to a desiredlocation). In some cases, after the cleaning agent has been applied(e.g., as a pre-spray), electrolyzed water, water, and/or a vacuum isused to rinse and/or otherwise remove the cleaning agent from thematerial that is being cleaned. Indeed, in some embodiments,electrolyzed alkaline water and a vacuum are used to wash out and removethe pre-spray.

In addition to comprising electrolyzed alkaline water (and/orelectrolyzed oxidizing water), the described cleaning agent can compriseany other suitable ingredient that allows it to be used for any suitablepurpose (e.g., cleaning, disinfecting, etc.). Some non-limiting examplesof such ingredients include one or more diluents, carriers, moisturizingagents, lotions, aloe, fragrances, surfactants (e.g., sodiumdiamphoacetate, coco phosphatidyl PG-dimonium chloride, and/or any othersuitable surfactants), humectants (e.g., propylene glycol, glycerine,and/or any other suitable humectants), and/or any other suitableingredients. Indeed, in some embodiments, in addition to sodiumcarbonate, sodium percarbonate, and/or orange peel terpene, the cleaningagent comprises one or more soy proteins.

Thus, in accordance with some embodiments, the described systems andmethods relate to a cleaning agent comprising sodium carbonate, sodiumpercarbonate, and/or one or more citrus terpenes.

Modified Electrolyzed Water

Some embodiments of the described systems and methods relate to theaddition of one or more chemicals to the electrolyzed alkaline water,the electrolyzed oxidizing water, and/or mixtures thereof. Indeed, insome cases, a natural agent is added to electrolyzed alkaline and/orelectrolyzed oxidizing water to form a modified electrolyzed water(e.g., produced by the system 10 or otherwise). In this regard, someexamples of suitable natural agents include, but are not limited to, oneor essential oils, plant extracts, sodium carbonate, sodiumpercarbonate, orange oil, orange peel terpene, water, alkaline water,oxidizing water, citrus terpene, one or more soy proteins, EXCEL™ soyproducts, limonene, D-limonene, one or more essential oils, and/or oneor more: natural oil extracts (including, without limitation, lemon oil,tea tree oil, rosemary oil, lavender oil, eucalyptus oil, peppermintoil, cinnamon leaf oil, pine oil, thyme oil, and/or any other suitablenatural oil extract, bio organic materials, enzymes (including, withoutlimitation, one or more cellulases, pepsins, proteases, amylases,lipase, mannanases, pectinases, and/or any other suitable enzyme),vinegar, peroxide, alcohol, and/or any other suitable ingredient.

The various ingredients in the modified electrolyzed water can bepresent in the electrolyzed water (e.g., alkaline water and/or oxidizingwater (and/or stabilized oxidizing and/or stabilized alkaline water)) atany suitable concentration that allows the modified electrolyzed waterto be used to clean, pre-treat, emulsify, and/or otherwise help removestains, residue, and/or debris from any suitable surface or object.Indeed, in some cases, the various active ingredients in the modifiedelectrolyzed water are each present in the modified water atconcentration between about 0.1 and about 99% by weight. In someembodiments, each of the active ingredients in the electrolyzed water ispresent at between about 0.1% and about 60% by molecular weight (orwithin any subrange thereof). Indeed, in some implementations, an activeingredient is present in the modified electrolyzed water at aconcentration of between about 5% and about 30% by weight (e.g., at aconcentration of about 20%±5%).

The modified electrolyzed water can be used in any suitable manner,including, without limitation, by being: used with the wand 100, sprayedon a surface, being misted on a surface, wiped on a surface, painted ona surface, and/or otherwise applied to a surface or material. Indeed, insome embodiments, the described modified electrolyzed water is appliedto a surface (e.g., flooring and/or any other suitable material) as partof a cleaning procedure (e.g., via the wand 100 and a pump 28). In somesuch embodiments, the modified electrolyzed water is then removed fromthe surface via a vacuum and/or in any other suitable manner.

In addition to comprising electrolyzed alkaline water (and/orelectrolyzed oxidizing water), the described modified electrolyzed watercan comprise any other suitable ingredient that allows it to be used forany suitable purpose (e.g., cleaning, disinfecting, etc.). Somenon-limiting examples of such ingredients include one or more diluents,carriers, moisturizing agents, lotions, aloe, fragrances, surfactants(e.g., sodium diamphoacetate, coco phosphatidyl PG-dimonium chloride,and/or any other suitable surfactants), humectants (e.g., propyleneglycol, glycerine, and/or any other suitable humectants), and/or anyother suitable ingredients.

Thus, in accordance with some embodiments, the described systems andmethods relate to modified electrolyzed water (e.g., alkaline water).

Wipes and Cleaning Implements

In accordance with some embodiments, the described systems and methodsinclude one or more disposable and/or reusable cloths, towels,towelettes, rags, swabs, mops, sponges, scrubbers, cotton swabs,brushes, and/or other forms of wipes or cleaning implements thatcomprise electrolyzed alkaline water, electrolyzed oxidizing water,stabilized oxidizing water, stabilized alkaline water, the describedcleaning agent, the described modified electrolyzed water, and/or anyother suitable ingredient.

In some embodiments, the described systems and methods include a packageof cleaning implements, the package comprising multiple cleaningimplements that each comprise an absorptive material; and anelectrolyzed water solution, wherein the electrolyzed water solution isdisposed within the absorptive material. In some such embodiments, thecleaning implements are selected from wet wipes, sponges, cloths,brushes, towelettes, rags, swabs, mops, micro-fiber materials, sponges,scrubbers, microfiber cloths, scouring pads, cellulose, cellulosicmaterials, band aids, bandages, pieces of gauze, pieces of steel wool,and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, such cleaning implement comprises a mop having anabsorptive material and a spray device that is configured to spray theelectrolyzed water (e.g., on demand and/or in any other suitablemanner). In some such embodiments, the electrolyzed water can bereplaced, refilled, and/or the mop can be discarded, as appropriate.

In some embodiments, such wipes (or other cleaning implements) comprisecloth, a foldable wipe, and/or any other suitable object that issaturated with and/or that otherwise comprises electrolyzed alkalinewater, electrolyzed oxidizing water, and/or any other ingredientdiscussed in this disclosure. In some embodiments, however, suchimplements comprise one or more towels, towelettes, rags, cotton balls,swabs, and/or other suitable wipes that include an electrolyzed alkalinewater (e.g., produced from the system 10 and/or from any other suitableelectrolytic device). As a result, such wipes can be used to cleanvirtually any suitable surface, object, and/or material. For instance,such wipes can be used to: spot scrub carpets or upholstery, wash walls,wipe clothing, and/or can be used for any other suitable purpose.

While such wipes can comprise any suitable material, in someembodiments, they comprise silk, cotton, polyester, wool, rayon, cloth,linen, gauze, resin, polyethylene, polypropylene, paper, paper towels,toilet paper, fiberglass, micro-fiber material, textile, foam, sponge,felt, bamboo, wood pulp, cellulose, and/or any other suitable material.By way of non-limiting illustration, FIG. 13 illustrates arepresentative embodiment of a wipe 300 that comprises electrolyzedalkaline water and that is disposed in a container 302.

The wipes can have any suitable characteristic that allows them to beused to wipe electrolyzed alkaline, electrolyzed oxidizing water, and/orany other suitable ingredient on to a surface or object. In this regard,some embodiments of the wipes comprise one or more woven materials,non-woven materials, embossed materials, single-ply materials,double-ply materials, poly-ply materials, quilted materials, printedmaterials, hydrophilic materials, air-through materials, and/or othersuitable characteristics that allow them to be used to clean surfaces,objects, and/or materials.

Where the wipes 300 comprise electrolyzed alkaline water (and/orelectrolyzed oxidizing water), the wipes can comprise any suitableamount of such fluid (and/or fluids). Indeed, in some embodiments, thewipes are saturated with electrolyzed alkaline water (and/orelectrolyzed oxidizing water) such that the alkaline water (and/oroxidizing water) comprises between about 0.5% and about 99% (or anysubrange thereof) of a wipe's total weight. Indeed, in some embodiments,the alkaline water (and/or oxidizing water) comprise between about0.005% and about 50% of a wipe's total weight.

Where the wipes comprise electrolyzed alkaline water (and/orelectrolyzed oxidizing water), the electrolyzed alkaline (and/orelectrolyzed oxidizing) water can be produced in any suitable manner,including, without limitation, via the system 10 and/or any othersuitable electrolytic cell. Similarly, the electrolyzed alkaline (and/orelectrolyzed oxidizing) water can be produced using any suitableelectrolyte, including, without limitation, one or more of theelectrolytes discussed above. Thus, while the electrolyzed alkaline(and/or oxidizing) water in the wipes can have any suitablecharacteristic (e.g., pH, salt content, lack of salt content, and/orother characteristic), in some embodiments, the electrolyzed alkalinewater (and/or the oxidizing water, the cleaning agent, the modifiedelectrolyzed water, and/or any other suitable ingredient) in the wipeshas the same characteristics of the electrolyzed alkaline water (and/orthe oxidizing water, the cleaning agent, the modified electrolyzedwater, and/or any other suitable ingredient) discussed herein (e.g.,produced by the system 10 and/or otherwise). By way of non-limitingexample, in some cases, the wipes comprise electrolyzed alkaline waterthat was produced with the system 10 (or any other suitable device),using sodium carbonate as the electrolyte, such that the alkaline waterhas a pH between about 7.5 and about 13.5.

In addition to comprising electrolyzed alkaline water (and/or theoxidizing water, the cleaning agent, the modified electrolyzed water,and/or any other suitable ingredient), the described wipes (and/or othercleaning implements) can comprise any other suitable ingredient thatallows them to be used for any suitable purpose (e.g., cleaning,disinfecting, etc.). Some non-limiting examples of such ingredientsinclude one or more diluents, carriers, moisturizing agents, lotions,aloe, fragrances, surfactants (e.g., sodium diamphoacetate, cocophosphatidyl PG-dimonium chloride, and/or any other suitablesurfactants), humectants (e.g., propylene glycol, glycerine, and/or anyother suitable humectants that are capable of helping to prevent thewipes from drying out too quickly), and/or any other suitableingredient.

Thus, in accordance with some embodiments, the described systems andmethods relate to one or more disposable and/or reusable cloths, towels,towelettes, rags, swabs, mops, microfiber materials, sponges, scrubbers,cotton swabs, brushes, and/or other forms of wipes or cleaningimplements that comprise electrolyzed alkaline water, electrolyzedoxidizing water, stabilized oxidizing water, stabilized alkaline water,the described cleaning agent, the described modified electrolyzed water,and/or any other suitable ingredient.

Counter Rotating Device

Some embodiments of the described systems and methods further relate toan agitator comprising a motor (and/or other power device) and 2, 3, 4,5, 6, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more rug beaters, brushes, and/or otheragitation devices that are configured to pull and/or otherwise collecthair, fur, dust, mites, dirt, and/or other debris from surfaces beingcleaned. Indeed, in some cases, the agitator comprises at least twobrushes having relatively soft and/or stiff bristles, where the twobrushes are substantially cylindrically shaped, and are configured tospin (e.g., via the power source) about an axis that runs substantiallyhorizontally to a surface (e.g., flooring surface) being cleaned.

In some such embodiments, at least two of the brushes counter rotate. Byway of illustration, FIGS. 14A-14B show that, in some embodiments, whilea first brush 308 of the agitator 306 rotates counterclockwise, thesecond brush 308 moves clockwise. In contrast, FIG. 14C shows that, insome cases, when the first brush 306 moves clockwise, the second brush308 rotates counterclockwise. In this regard, some embodiments of thedescribed agitator are configured to selectively cause the directions ofthe brushes to be switched so that the opposing brushes continue tocounter rotate with respect to each other. As a result, in some suchembodiments, brush life can be extended.

The brushes can rotate at any suitable speed that allows them tofunction as described herein. Indeed, in some embodiments, the brushesare configured to rotate at between about 10 and about 10,000 rpm (or inany subrange thereof). In some cases, for instance, the brushes eachrotate at between about 100 rpm and about 2,000 rpm (e.g., between about200 rpm and about 800 rpm.

In some cases, the weight of the agitator 306 can help it pull debrisfrom deep in flooring (e.g., carpeting). In this regard, the agitatorcan weigh any suitable amount, including, without limitation, betweenabout 1 kg and about 1,000 kg (or any subrange thereof). Indeed, in someembodiments, the agitator weighs between about 10 kg and about 30 kg. Infact, in some cases, in order to help the agitator weigh enough toproperly remove debris, one or more additional weights are added to theagitator.

Thus, in accordance with some embodiments, the described systems andmethods relate to an agitator comprising at least two counter rotatingbrushes that are configured to pull debris from the surface to which theagitator is applied.

While the disclosure herein is separated into a variety of headings andsections, the various systems and methods from each of the sections andthroughout this disclosure (including the figures) can be combined andmixed and matched in any and all suitable manners. Indeed, in somecases, to avoid repetitiveness, various characteristics and combinationsof the described systems are not repeated between the various sections.

The various portions of the described systems (e.g., the system 10, thewand 100, the magnets, the tubing, and/or any other element disclosedherein) can be made in any suitable manner. In this regard, somenon-limiting examples of methods for making the described wand (e.g.,the vacuum tube 102, the wand head 104, and/or other components of thewand) include extruding; molding; machining; bending; straightening;cutting; grinding; filing; smoothing; buffing; polishing; connectingvarious pieces with one or more mechanical fasteners (e.g., nails,clamps, rivets, staples, clips, pegs, crimps, pins, brads, threads,brackets, quick-connect couplers, nuts, bolts, threaded engagements,screws, etc.); welds; by melting pieces together, adhesives, etc.);and/or any other suitable method that allows the described wand to beformed and perform its intended functions.

Additionally, the various fluids discussed herein can be used in anysuitable manner. Indeed, the various fluids can be mixed together in anysuitable manner. Moreover, the fluids can be dispersed in any suitablemanner, including, without limitation, via one or more manual and/ormotorized sprayers, misters, hoses, wands, and/or in any other suitablemanner. In some other embodiments, one or more of the fluids discussedherein are injected and/or ingested into a living animal. Indeed, insome embodiments, electrolyzed oxidizing water and/or electrolyzedalkaline water is injected into an infected portion of an animal (e.g.,an infected udder of a cow) to fight the infection. In anotherembodiment, one or more of the described fluids are applied externallyto an animal. For instance, any of the fluids discussed herein (e.g.,electrolyzed alkaline water, electrolyzed oxidizing water, etc.) can beapplied (e.g., via soaking, wiping, spraying, etc.) to any suitable bodypart having fungus on it. Indeed, in some embodiments a toenailcomprising fungus is soaked in electrolyzed oxidizing water (and/oralkaline water) on a regular basis to rid the toenail of the fungus.

Representative Methods and Operating Environment

The described system 10 and methods can be implemented in any suitablemanner. Indeed, in some embodiments, one or more portions of the system10 are disposed on a vehicle 99 (e.g., a truck, van, trailer, car, bus,tractor, forklift, and/or any other suitable vehicle). For instance, insome embodiments, the vehicle comprises one or more cells 12 (e.g.,cells comprising a soda ash and/or any other suitable non-NaClelectrolyte, cells that recirculate anolyte, cell that lack a membraneseparating their electrode compartments (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1G),cells that monitor and adjust one or more of their operating parametersbased on sensor readings, and/or any other suitable cells), vacuums,wands 100, pumps (e.g., to pump product from the cell to a wand and/orother delivery and/or extraction device), tanks 40 and/or 46, powersupplies 51, water softeners 24, and/or any other suitable components(e.g., as illustrated in FIGS. 1L-1O). Thus, in some embodiments,electrolyzed water (e.g., alkaline water and/or any other suitableproduct) is produced on the vehicle for delivery to a surface to becleaned (e.g., via the wand 100 and/or in any other suitable manner). Insome such cases, such water is delivered from the vehicle to a surfaceto be cleaned (e.g., via one or more pumps, hoses, wands 100, and/orother suitable components). In some such cases, such electrolyzed wateris then sucked up and returned to the vehicle (e.g., tank 46), to adrain, and/or to any other suitable location. Accordingly, in somecases, the described system is substantially contained in and/or on thevehicle and/or is otherwise portable. In this regard, while the vehiclecan carry its own water, in some embodiments, it receives some water atits point of use (e.g., from a municipal water supply and/or from anyother suitable source). Additionally, as some embodiments of the systemrecirculate anolyte and/or use a non-NaCl electrolyte, some suchembodiments, can produce relatively little waste and leave little to noNaCl residue in the material being cleaned.

In some cases, the systems and methods further comprise using a counterrotating brush device (e.g., as described herein) to pull up hair andother debris from the surface being cleaning. In this regard, thecounter rotating brush can be used at any suitable time, including,without limitation, before or after the application of the electrolyzedwater to such surface.

In some cases, the systems and methods further comprise applying thecleaning agent (e.g., as described above) to the surface being cleaned.In this regard, such cleaning agent can be applied at any suitable time(e.g., prior, during, and/or after: use of the counter rotating deviceon the material, application of the electrolyzed water to the material,removal of the electrolyzed water to the mater, and/or at any othersuitable time). Indeed, in some embodiments, such cleaning agent isapplied to the material being cleaned (e.g., flooring) before suchmaterial is cleaned with the electrolyzed water.

While the described system 10 (e.g., cell 12) can function in anysuitable manner, an example of a suitable method is described herein. Inthis regard, it is noted that all of the methods described herein (andeach and every portion thereof) can be changed, repeated, omitted,performed partially, mixed with another portion, substituted, replaced,reordered, reconfigured, and/or can otherwise be modified in anysuitable manner. In this regard, in some embodiments, the cell is turnedon as part of the method (e.g., via one or more switches, by beingplugged into a power source, via the control system 38, by a user,and/or in any other suitable manner).

In some embodiments, once the cell is turned on, the cell is in an idleposition. In some cases, the system checks to determine (e.g., via oneor more sensors and/or other suitable mechanisms) that the productstorage tank (e.g., tank 40 and/or any other suitable tank, such asdischarge tank 46) is not above a high shutoff level. Additionally, insome embodiments, the system does not produce product (e.g.,electrolyzed water) when an emergency stop or reset is engaged.Accordingly, in some cases, the system checks to ensure that anemergency stop or reset is not engaged.

In some cases, when the system starts up, it either receives supplywater pressure through the cell's fluid inlet 20 (e.g., via a municipalwater supply, a pump, and/or in any other suitable manner). In somecases, as the system is set up to produce product (e.g., electrolyzedalkaline water and/or any other suitable product), an operator and/orthe control system 38 verifies that an amperage limit of the cell 12 isset to value to produce NaOH (and/or any other suitable product) at adesired levels.

In some cases, the operator and/or control system 38 verifies (e.g., bylooking and/or via one or more sensors and/or measurement mechanisms)that an electrolyte storage take (e.g., a storage tank 62 comprisingsodium carbonate and/or any other suitable electrolyte) has an adequateamount (e.g., level) of electrolyte and/or electrolyte solution. In somecases, the method also includes having an operator and/or the controlsystem verify (e.g., by looking and/or via one or more sensors and/ormeasurement mechanisms) that a level of fluid (e.g., anolyte) in theacid recirculation tank 64 is at or above a minimum level.

In some cases, when the user activates the cell 12, the system 10 (e.g.,the control device 38) is configured to reset any active alarms in thesystem (e.g., indicating that product pH is outside of a set range,indicating that electrolyte conductivity is outside of a set range,etc.). Additionally, in some cases, when the cell is activated, thesystem allows one or more fluids to flow through the cell. In thisregard, the system can allow fluid to flow into one or more compartmentsof the cell in any suitable manner, including, without limitation, byopening one or more valves on the inlet 20, actuating one or more pumps28, and/or in any other suitable manner. Moreover, in some cases, as thecell begins to function one or more recirculation pumps 29 start and/orvalves 26 open to recirculate electrolyte (e.g., anolyte, as shown inFIGS. 1A-1F) through the cell. In some cases, the system 10 also checksanolyte and catholyte flows to ensure they are at a set level and/or tomodify the flows to meet a desired rate.

In some cases, the power supply 51 (e.g., a variable power supply and/orany other power supply) also provides electricity to the electrodes 17to cause electrolysis within the cell. In some such cases, the system isthen configured to automatically provide additional electrolyte and/orelectrolyte solution to the cell (e.g., the anolyte flow) via one ormore pumps 28, feeders 34, valves 26, and/or in any other suitablemanner. Indeed, in some embodiments, the system is configured to addadditional electrolyte into the cell until the power supply's amps reacha set limit and/or voltage in the cell begins to drop. In some suchcases, the system is configured to tailor (e.g., in near real time,intermittently, constantly, and/or in any other suitable manner) theamount of electrolyte that is added to the cell to help the cellmaintain a desired voltage within the cell. Indeed, in accordance withsome embodiments, product quality (e.g., the quality of the producedelectrolyzed alkaline water and/or any other product) is determined bykeeping catholyte inlet flow, and/or anolyte flow within expected limitsand/or the power supply voltage at a desired set point.

In some embodiments, the system 10 is configured to keep the amperagesupplied by the power supply 51 substantially constant and to vary theelectrolyte concentration in the cell so as to compensate forfluctuations in fluid conductivity in one or more portions of the cell.In still some other embodiments, the system is configured toautomatically modify the amperage provided to the cell 12, to modify theflowrate of one or more fluids through the cell, to change theconcentration of electrolyte within a portion of the cell, and/or tootherwise modify the cell's operation to allow the cell to functionoptimally and/or to produce one or more desired products.

In some cases, after the system 10 has operated, the system can be shutdown in any suitable manner and for any suitable reason. Indeed, in someembodiments, when the system is shut down, the power supply 51 stopsproviding electricity to the electrodes 17, the recirculation pump 29stops, the feeder 34 stops, the inlet solenoid valve closes (and/or anyother suitable mechanism is actuated to deactivated to stop fluid fromflowing into the inlet, in some cases, after a short time delay), and/orthe cell otherwise stops producing new product.

In this regard, the system 10 can be shut down when: a user switches thesystem off or into a rest mode that limits or stops electricity fromflowing between the electrodes 17; the system determines that product(e.g., electrolyzed alkaline water) has not been used for an extendedperiod of time; the amount of product in a storage tank has hit a setlevel; an emergency stop function has been initiated (e.g., by a user,by the control system 38, and/or in any other suitable manner); thesystem determines that a recirculation flowrate (e.g., through therecirculation loop 31) is too low (e.g., as indicated by one or moresensors and/or alarms); the system determines that a recirculationflowrate is too high (e.g., as indicated by one or more sensors and/oralarms); the system determines that a power supply amperage has droppedtoo low and/or has gone too high (e.g., as indicated by one or moresensors and/or alarms), the system determines that a cleaner (e.g.,product) flow has dropped too low and/or gone too high (e.g., asindicated by one or more sensors and/or alarms); the system determinesthat an external interlock is not met (e.g., that the inlet waterquality has fallen outside of a set level, for instance, the inlet wateris too hard, as indicated by one or more sensors and/or alarms); thesystem determines that the power supply 51 fails to start (e.g., asdetermined by one or more sensors and/or alarms); the system determinesthat the storage tank level is too high (e.g., as indicated by one ormore sensors and/or alarms); and/or the system otherwise determines thatit should be (or the system is otherwise) shut down.

Once the system 10 has been shut down, it (e.g., the cell 12) canstarted back up at any suitable time. Indeed, in some embodiments, thesystem starts up again once the system determines that: the productstorage tank 40 level is too low (e.g., one or more sensors in the tankor otherwise); a user's has turned the system back on, product is beingused (e.g., through a wand), and/or that the cell should otherwise beoperating.

In accordance with some embodiments, the system 10 comprises one or moretouchscreens; control panels; switchboards; keyboards; displays; lights;indicators; wireless communication devices that are configured toprovide information to a phone, laptop, server, handheld device, and/orany other suitable device; and/or any other suitable feature that isconfigured to provide information to a user regarding the system and itsfunction. Indeed, in some non-limiting embodiments, the system comprisesa touchscreen user interface (and/or any other suitable communicationscenter) that provides information on the amperage, voltage,recirculation flowrate, injection pump set point and/or status, cleaner(e.g., electrolyzed water) flowrate, feeder 34 and/or injection pump setpoint and/or status, system run hours, electrolyte storage tank 62 leveland/or status, electrolyte storage tank agitator status, running statusof the cell, alarm conditions, and/or any other suitable informationrelating to the system, its operation, its products, and/or any othersuitable feature.

In some embodiments, prior to and/or as the system 10 operates, thesystem is configured to receive input from a user and to use that inputto adjust the functioning of the system (e.g., by (i) having the systemautomatically, continuously, and/or dynamically make adjustments to itsoperation to produce products with specific characteristics and/or (ii)allowing the user to set and lock in one or more particular operatingparameters (e.g., set and constant amperages, flowrates, electrolyteinjection rates, and/or any other suitable parameter) from which thesystem will not vary).

Indeed, in some embodiments, system 10 is configured to allow a user tomodify one or more operating parameters such that the system is able togather information from one or more sensors and then to modify thesystem's operating parameters (e.g., dynamically, in near real time,and/or in any other suitable manner) to meet such parameters. In somesuch embodiments, the system is configured to allow a user to adjust oneor more: current limits; voltage limits; operation modes to switchelectrolyte injection between an automatic injection setting based onmeasured conductivity levels and/or any other suitable feature, to amanually controlled electrolyte injection mode; flow alarm set points;electrolyte storage tank agitator controls and status; alarms (e.g., toturn them off, reset the alarms, etc.); sensors (e.g., to recalibratethe sensors); programs that control one or more aspects of the system'soperation, and/or other features of the system.

The described systems and methods (e.g., electrolytic system 10, cell12, wand 100, etc.) can be used with or in any suitable operatingenvironment and/or software. In this regard, FIG. 15 and thecorresponding discussion are intended to provide a general descriptionof a suitable operating environment (e.g., control system 38) inaccordance with some embodiments of the described systems and methods.As will be further discussed below, some embodiments embrace the use ofone or more processing (including, without limitation, micro-processing)units in a variety of customizable enterprise configurations, includingin a networked configuration, which may also include any suitablecloud-based service, such as a platform as a service or software as aservice.

Some embodiments of the described systems and methods embrace one ormore computer readable media, wherein each medium may be configured toinclude or includes thereon data or computer executable instructions formanipulating data. The computer executable instructions include datastructures, objects, programs, routines, or other program modules thatmay be accessed by one or more processors, such as one associated with ageneral-purpose processing unit capable of performing various differentfunctions or one associated with a special-purpose processing unitcapable of performing a limited number of functions. In this regard, insome embodiments, the processing unit 75 (e.g., the control device 38)comprises a specialized processing unit that is configured for use withthe described system 10.

Computer executable instructions cause the one or more processors of theenterprise to perform a particular function or group of functions andare examples of program code means for implementing steps for methods ofprocessing. Furthermore, a particular sequence of the executableinstructions provides an example of corresponding acts that may be usedto implement such steps.

Examples of computer readable media (including non-transitory computerreadable media) include random-access memory (“RAM”), read-only memory(“ROM”), programmable read-only memory (“PROM”), erasable programmableread-only memory (“EPROM”), electrically erasable programmable read-onlymemory (“EEPROM”), compact disk read-only memory (“CD-ROM”), or anyother device or component that is capable of providing data orexecutable instructions that may be accessed by a processing unit.

With reference to FIG. 15 , a representative system includes computerdevice 400 (e.g., control system 38 device or other unit), which may bea general-purpose or special-purpose computer (e.g., control unit 38 incommunication with the cell 12). For example, computer device 400 may bea personal computer, a notebook computer, a PDA or other hand-helddevice, a workstation, a minicomputer, a mainframe, a supercomputer, amulti-processor system, a network computer, a processor-based consumerdevice, a cellular phone, a tablet computer, a smart phone, a featurephone, a smart appliance or device, a control system, or the like.

Computer device 400 includes system bus 405, which may be configured toconnect various components thereof and enables data to be exchangedbetween two or more components. System bus 405 may include one of avariety of bus structures including a memory bus or memory controller, aperipheral bus, or a local bus that uses any of a variety of busarchitectures. Typical components connected by system bus 405 includeprocessing system 410 and memory 420. Other components may include oneor more mass storage device interfaces 430, input interfaces 440, outputinterfaces 450, and/or network interfaces 460, each of which will bediscussed below.

Processing system 410 includes one or more processors, such as a centralprocessor and optionally one or more other processors designed toperform a particular function or task. It is typically processing system410 that executes the instructions provided on computer readable media,such as on the memory 420, a magnetic hard disk, a removable magneticdisk, a magnetic cassette, an optical disk, or from a communicationconnection, which may also be viewed as a computer readable medium.

Memory 420 includes one or more computer readable media (including,without limitation, non-transitory computer readable media) that may beconfigured to include or includes thereon data or instructions formanipulating data, and may be accessed by processing system 410 throughsystem bus 405. Memory 420 may include, for example, ROM 422, used topermanently store information, and/or RAM 424, used to temporarily storeinformation. ROM 422 may include a basic input/output system (“BIOS”)having one or more routines that are used to establish communication,such as during start-up of computer device 400. RAM 424 may include oneor more program modules, such as one or more operating systems,application programs, and/or program data.

One or more mass storage device interfaces 430 may be used to connectone or more mass storage devices 432 to the system bus 405. The massstorage devices 432 may be incorporated into or may be peripheral to thecomputer device 400 and allow the computer device 400 to retain largeamounts of data. Optionally, one or more of the mass storage devices 432may be removable from computer device 400. Examples of mass storagedevices include hard disk drives, magnetic disk drives, tape drives,solid state mass storage, and optical disk drives.

Examples of solid state mass storage include flash cards and memorysticks. A mass storage device 432 may read from and/or write to amagnetic hard disk, a removable magnetic disk, a magnetic cassette, anoptical disk, or another computer readable medium. Mass storage devices432 and their corresponding computer readable media provide nonvolatilestorage of data and/or executable instructions that may include one ormore program modules, such as an operating system, one or moreapplication programs, other program modules, or program data. Suchexecutable instructions are examples of program code means forimplementing steps for methods disclosed herein.

One or more input interfaces 440 may be employed to enable a user toenter data (e.g., initial information) and/or instructions to computerdevice 400 through one or more corresponding input devices 442. Examplesof such input devices include a keyboard and/or alternate input devices,such as a digital camera, a sensor, bar code scanner, debit/credit cardreader, signature and/or writing capture device, pin pad, touch screen,mouse, trackball, light pen, stylus, or other pointing device, amicrophone, a joystick, a game pad, a scanner, a camcorder, and/or otherinput devices. Similarly, examples of input interfaces 440 that may beused to connect the input devices 442 to the system bus 405 include aserial port, a parallel port, a game port, a universal serial bus(“USB”), a firewire (IEEE 1394), a wireless receiver, a video adapter,an audio adapter, a parallel port, a wireless transmitter, or anotherinterface.

One or more output interfaces 450 may be employed to connect one or morecorresponding output devices 452 to system bus 405. Examples of outputdevices include a monitor or display screen, a speaker, a wirelesstransmitter, a printer, and the like. A particular output device 452 maybe integrated with or peripheral to computer device 400. Examples ofoutput interfaces include a video adapter, an audio adapter, a parallelport, and the like.

One or more network interfaces 460 enable computer device 400 toexchange information with one or more local or remote computer devices,illustrated as computer devices 462, via a network 464 that may includeone or more hardwired and/or wireless links. Examples of the networkinterfaces include a network adapter for connection to a local areanetwork (“LAN”) or a modem, a wireless link, or another adapter forconnection to a wide area network (“WAN”), such as the Internet. Thenetwork interface 460 may be incorporated with or be peripheral tocomputer device 400.

In a networked system, accessible program modules or portions thereofmay be stored in a remote memory storage device. Furthermore, in anetworked system computer device 400 may participate in a distributedcomputing environment, where functions or tasks are performed by aplurality networked computer devices. While those skilled in the artwill appreciate that the described systems and methods may be practicedin networked computing environments with many types of computer systemconfigurations, FIG. 16 represents an embodiment of a portion of thedescribed systems in a networked environment that includes clients (465,470, 475, etc.) connected to a server 485 via a network 460. While FIG.16 illustrates an embodiment that includes 3 clients (e.g., electrolyticsystems 10, etc.) connected to the network, alternative embodimentsinclude at least one client connected to a network or many clientsconnected to a network. Moreover, embodiments in accordance with thedescribed systems and methods also include a multitude of clientsthroughout the world connected to a network, where the network is a widearea network, such as the Internet. Accordingly, in some embodiments,the described systems and methods can allow for remote monitoring,observation, adjusting, trouble shooting, data collecting, systemoptimizing, donation aggregation, monitoring, user interactionmonitoring, and/or other controlling of the systems 10 from many placesthroughout the world.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from its spirit or essential characteristics. The describedsystems, methods, embodiments, examples, and illustrations are to beconsidered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. Anyportion of any system, method, embodiment, component, characteristic,and/or other feature of the described systems and methods can becombined, mixed, and/or otherwise used with any other suitable portionof any other feature and in any suitable manner For instance, thedescribed magnets, water conditioning, recirculating anolyte feature,real-time monitoring and/or adjusting, and/or any other feature ormethod described herein can be used with any feature or method describedherein, and in any suitable manner. The scope of the described systemsand methods is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather thanby the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaningand range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within theirscope. In addition, as the terms on, disposed on, attached to, connectedto, coupled to, etc. are used herein, one object (e.g., a material,element, structure, member, etc.) can be on, disposed on, attached to,connected to, or coupled to another object—regardless of whether the oneobject is directly on, attached, connected, or coupled to the otherobject, or whether there are one or more intervening objects between theone object and the other object. Also, directions (e.g., front, back, ontop of, below, above, top, bottom, side, up, down, under, over, upper,lower, etc.), if provided, are relative and provided solely by way ofexample and for ease of illustration and discussion and not by way oflimitation. Where reference is made to a list of elements (e.g.,elements a, b, c), such reference is intended to include any one of thelisted elements by itself, any combination of less than all of thelisted elements, and/or a combination of all of the listed elements.Furthermore, as used herein, the terms a, an, and one may each beinterchangeable with the terms at least one and one or more.

What is claimed is:
 1. A cleaning system, comprising: a vehiclecomprising an electrolytic cell that comprises: an anode compartmentcomprising an anode; a cathode compartment comprising a cathode; and arecirculation loop that is configured to recirculate the anolyte throughthe anode compartment.